The Chargers Are Built to Draft & Develop | Inside Joe Hortiz's Philosophy

Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down the tight end market after David Njoku's visit ended without a deal — and make the case that Jonnu Smith is the better fit anyway, given his monster 2024 season alongside Mike McDaniel in Miami. They explain how the Chargers planned to draft a tight end but got priced out as the board ran on them in the second and third round. Money recaps Joe Hortiz's post-draft session, unpacking the team's draft-and-develop philosophy, the trade-back that still landed Akheem Mesidor at 22, and the "blue star" evaluation system behind the Jake Slaughter pick. The guys close by previewing the left guard competition, praising fifth-round DT Nick Barrett, and reminding fans that with $45.8 million in cap space, the Chargers' window is open — and this year has to count.

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