Chargers fans are laughably upset about Joe Hortiz and his seeming lack of regard for the offensive line. For an 11-win roster, Justin Herbert was taking an incredible beating on what felt like a week-to-week basis, and Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman had no real answer for it.
Free agency has all but come and gone, and Hortiz has watched Zion Johnson walk, Bradley Bozeman retire, and (correctly) released Mekhi Becton. With all of that money coming off the books, it felt like improvements had to be coming somewhere. Instead, Tyler Biadasz was signed as the replacement for Bozeman, which is a solid move. But if that’s the move meant to revamp what was arguably the worst offensive line in football, it simply isn’t enough.
Yes, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt being healthy should make a significant difference. That alone could lead to real improvement. But adding interior talent and removing the need to worry about it entirely would have been ideal. Now, Hortiz will have to rely on the draft, where he only holds five picks compared to 10 last year, to build depth and potentially find starters for this season.
If it isn't Ioane, Joe Hortiz should skip out on interior offensive line at 22
The reality is, unless the Chargers are completely sold on an offensive lineman, they cannot afford to reach at pick 22. There are too many holes on the roster, and too many examples of offensive linemen making immediate impacts after being drafted outside of the first round. The Chargers absolutely need to invest in the offensive line, but that does not mean forcing it early.
That doesn’t mean taking a project guard in the seventh round and hoping he can handle meaningful snaps midway through the year. It means staying disciplined. If there is a player at 22 who can make an immediate impact at another premium position, that’s where the value lies.
Is there a receiver who can elevate Mike McDaniel’s offense? An edge rusher who can contribute alongside Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu? Maybe even a high-end corner to help stabilize the room after losing Benjamin St-Juste.
All of those options could provide more value than reaching for an interior offensive lineman the team isn’t fully committed to. If that player isn’t there, trading back from 22 into the later part of the first round or early second could give Hortiz more flexibility and allow him to lean into what he does best.
Free agency has left plenty to be desired so far, but the draft has consistently been a strength. If that trend continues, the Chargers should be able to add multiple contributors once again.
Whatever Hortiz decides, he will have his reasons. But reaching at 22 is unlikely to benefit the team, either now or long term. Let the board come to you. Don’t let need override the bigger picture.
With under a month to go, the anticipation around that first-round decision is only building.