Joe Hortiz has performed above expectations in both NFL Drafts he has led the Chargers through as general manager. While he hasn’t given fans much to get excited about in free agency, the draft should have them hoping he can work his magic once again to fill the holes he has left on the roster.
Unfortunately, Hortiz only has five bites at the apple this year as things currently stand. With picks 22, 55, 86, 123, and 204, and no fifth- or seventh-round selections, every pick will matter. Unlike last year, when Hortiz stockpiled ten selections, the Chargers will need to hit on as many as possible this April. Here are three things they can do to “win” the 2026 NFL Draft.
Collect more draft capital
If pick 22 isn’t a slam dunk for the front office, it presents the perfect opportunity to trade back and add more selections. Hortiz has already shown he can find value and draft contributors across multiple positions, so why limit those opportunities?
Even moving back a few spots to pick up an additional third-rounder, or future capital in what is expected to be a deep 2027 draft, would make sense. Maximizing draft capital should be a priority, and if the Chargers can do that, it should be viewed as a win.
Draft one competent interior offensive lineman
Every year, teams find starting-caliber offensive linemen on Day 2 or Day 3. Outside of selecting Joe Alt at the top of the draft, the Chargers have not consistently hit on offensive line picks. For Hortiz specifically, there hasn’t been much investment in the position early on.
The health of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt will help. The addition of Tyler Biadasz will help. But finding even one reliable guard on Day 2 would go a long way toward stabilizing this unit. At minimum, it adds depth to a group that has lacked it for years. Teams consistently find contributors at this position outside of Round 1. There’s no reason the Chargers can’t do the same.
Draft a special teams contributor on Day 3
This doesn’t mean forcing a special teams pick, but if the value is there, the Chargers should take it. If there’s a return specialist who can immediately upgrade the unit, bring him in. If there’s a punter worth taking late to compete with JK Scott, consider it.
Special teams has been a recurring issue for this team, and it has come close to derailing seasons in the past. While it may not be a priority for most organizations, the Chargers know how costly those mistakes can be. If there’s a player available late who can make an immediate impact on special teams, that’s value worth taking.
Chargers fans should have confidence that Hortiz will make at least some of the right calls in the upcoming draft. There are many ways to “win” a draft, but if the Chargers can check off these three boxes, both the front office and the fan base should feel good about the outcome. The countdown to draft day continues. Now it’s just a matter of how it all plays out.