2 weeks Ago
Barely into his second year as the GM of the Los Angeles Chargers, Joe Hortiz is once again reminding Charger faithful that he knows what he is doing , specifically with his handling of the DT tackle position during his short tenure. Hortiz was hired in January of 2024 and immediately got to work shoring up the middle of the Charger defense by signing free agent DT Poona Ford (Buffalo Bills) and then, in August, he snagged Teair Tart from the Tennessee Titans. Both players had very good years in 2024, validating the new GM's moves.
They were so good that, even though Hortiz reportedly made a "competitive offer" , Ford went across town to the Los Angeles Rams. Hortiz was able to keep Tart with an extension but there was still a need to fortify the defensive trenches. Considering the 2025 draft class is loaded with interior defensive lineman , it's quite possible that Hortiz let Ford walk because he was counting on being able to replace him with a very good rookie at a fraction of the price.
Which is exactly what he did on Friday, waiting until to the 3rd round of the draft to steal Oregon DT Jamaree Caldwell . Caldwell had a bit of a rocky road, going through two community colleges and two seasons at Houston before arriving at Oregon. He did have 8.
5 sacks in his last two seasons of college ball and there is a feeling that, after losing forty pounds at Oregon, he's finding another gear. Looks like Hortiz found a possible gem for the Chargers defensive front. More Los Angeles Chargers News: Chargers' first rounder Omarion Hampton puts immediate pressure on Najee Harris Los Angeles Chargers grades for first rounder Omarion Hampton leave questions Is Justin Herbert happy with Chargers' polarizing NFL draft pick? Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton both named among Round 1 biggest losers.
