The Los Angeles Chargers did yeoman's work during free agency, filling many roster gaps.
L.A. inked 21 players this offseason, including returnees like Khalil Mack and bringing back receiver Mike Williams.
The moves allow Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh flexibility during next week's 2025 NFL Draft.
"You let the board come to you," Hortiz said during his pre-draft press conference on Thursday via the team's official website. "You don't feel the pressure, so to speak, that, 'Oh we got to address this player, we have to take this position.'
"I just don't feel that way because of the way we have spread ourselves out in free agency and adding to the roster and really completing the roster. I think that's the goal. You want to put yourself in a position to be go to draft day and say, 'We can literally let the board come to us. We can take the best player.'"
Good clubs add depth in free agency to avoid being pigeonholed during the draft. Having a franchise signal-caller like Justin Herbert under contract makes that process easier. The Chargers filled some gaps with the addition of guard Mekhi Becton, Williams, running back Najee Harris, tight end Tyler Conklin, cornerback Donte Jackson and others.
Like all teams, there are still needs in L.A., including a more dynamic pass-catching tight end, receiver depth and along the defensive line, but Hortiz doesn't have to force it on draft night.
The GM noted that given the attrition of a long season, stacking depth at certain positions is never a bad idea.
"You may say, 'You took a player that maybe it's not a need.' Two weeks later, it could be a need," Hortiz added. "You just take the best player available and he's going to be here for four or five years or even longer, and he's going to help you win games."
Coming off an 11-6 season in Year 1 under Hortiz and Harbaugh, the Chargers hope to take the next step in the process in 2025.