In the first round of the draft, Chargers general manager Hortiz is expected to return to his Baltimore Ravens origins.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the first round revolves around Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Hortiz. With a wealth of experience and a background deeply rooted in the Baltimore Ravens’ front office, Hortiz is expected to bring his insights and strategies from his time with the Ravens to bear in a critical draft for the Chargers. His previous tenure as an integral part of Baltimore’s management provides a fascinating lens through which to evaluate his approach to roster building and, ultimately, how the Chargers will address their immediate needs in the upcoming draft.

A Deep Connection to Baltimore’s Winning Culture

Tom Hortiz’s NFL career took root with the Baltimore Ravens, a franchise known for its blue-collar mentality, a relentless defense, and an ability to develop talent that flourishes under pressure. Serving with the Ravens in various scouting and personnel roles, Hortiz was part of the organization’s scouting department, which was renowned for its keen eye for talent in both the draft and free agency. He worked under some of the most respected names in NFL history, including Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta, whose influence on Hortiz’s football philosophy is unmistakable.

Hortiz’s time in Baltimore coincided with some of the franchise’s most successful years, including the 2012 Super Bowl victory. The Ravens’ consistency in identifying high-caliber talent, particularly in the mid-to-late rounds, is a hallmark of their success. For Hortiz, these experiences were more than just learning the X’s and O’s of the NFL draft process; they ingrained in him a long-term, big-picture perspective on roster building. And now, as general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers, Hortiz is expected to bring that same philosophy to Southern California, using the 2025 NFL Draft as his stage for showcasing his expertise.

The Chargers’ Current Landscape: A Team in Need of Refinement

The Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2025 season with a lot of promise, but their lack of playoff success has kept them from breaking through as a true contender in the AFC. Despite having one of the league’s most talented quarterbacks in Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ roster remains in need of refinement. Their defense, while not lacking in talent, has been inconsistent, and their offensive line has been a persistent issue throughout Herbert’s career. Both of these areas need to be addressed in the draft, and Hortiz’s approach to roster construction will be critical in turning the Chargers into Super Bowl contenders.

The Chargers’ top priority should be improving their offensive line to provide Herbert with the protection he needs to thrive. While they’ve made moves in recent years to address this issue, the unit remains a weak point on the roster. Hortiz, who worked for the Ravens during their successful years of offensive line development, understands the importance of building a foundation in the trenches. Whether through securing an elite tackle, a talented interior lineman, or even depth pieces, Hortiz is expected to prioritize bolstering the offensive line early in the draft.

At the same time, the Chargers’ defense has shown flashes of greatness but has often struggled with consistency. The Ravens’ defensive philosophy under Hortiz’s tutelage was built on toughness, adaptability, and a focus on creating turnovers. While the Chargers boast standout players like Joey Bosa and Derwin James, they need more depth in the front seven and further bolstering in the secondary. The defensive schemes that Hortiz saw in Baltimore will likely influence his approach to adding pieces to the Chargers’ defense, especially in a draft where several high-impact defensive prospects could be available in the early rounds.

Drawing From the Ravens’ Playbook: Value Picks and Developing Depth

One of the key reasons why the Ravens have consistently remained competitive, even in years when they weren’t at the top of the league in talent, has been their ability to identify value picks. During his time with the Ravens, Hortiz was part of a front office that continually discovered gems in later rounds—players who might not have the highest draft profiles but possess the potential to develop into key contributors.

Hortiz’s history of finding and developing overlooked talent could serve the Chargers well, particularly in a draft where the class is filled with some uncertainties. While the first round will be critical for securing a top-tier player, Hortiz’s history suggests that he may find diamonds in the rough in later rounds. Whether it’s targeting a high-upside edge rusher in the second or third rounds, or a versatile offensive lineman in the middle rounds, Hortiz’s knack for making value picks could set the Chargers up for long-term success.

In fact, the Ravens’ ability to find foundational players outside of the first round has been one of the team’s most notable strengths, and it could be an area where Hortiz brings his expertise to Los Angeles. The Chargers have several positions of need, and although the team may look to fill immediate gaps in the first round, they’ll also need to focus on long-term development and roster depth. For instance, finding a future wide receiver or a player who can contribute on special teams while developing into a more significant role could be key to the Chargers’ success moving forward.

Hortiz’s Blueprint for Success: A Balanced Approach

Although much of the attention will be on the Chargers’ first-round selection, Hortiz’s blueprint for success goes beyond just one pick. His experience in Baltimore has taught him that success in the draft is about striking a balance between immediate impact players and long-term contributors. The Ravens, under Newsome and DeCosta, have had success in using a hybrid approach that blends the need for immediate upgrades with the foresight to build a team for the future.

Hortiz’s first-round selection will be vital, but it’s just one part of a larger plan. Whether he leans toward offense or defense in round one, his subsequent picks will be just as critical. In fact, how Hortiz navigates the second and third rounds, particularly where some of the top prospects might fall unexpectedly, will showcase his true acumen as a general manager. In his time with the Ravens, Hortiz learned how to anticipate market value and leverage draft capital effectively, a skill that will serve him well as he works to continue improving the Chargers’ roster.

Looking to the Future: The Chargers’ Window of Opportunity

The Los Angeles Chargers are in a delicate position as they enter the 2025 NFL Draft. With a top-tier quarterback in Justin Herbert, the team’s window of opportunity is open, but it won’t remain that way forever. The franchise must maximize its draft picks to support Herbert and build a championship-caliber roster around him. Hortiz, with his extensive background in player evaluation and roster construction, is expected to lead the charge in this crucial phase.

The decisions made in the first round will set the tone for the rest of the draft and will have lasting ramifications on the Chargers’ future. With the Ravens’ blueprint for success guiding his decisions, Hortiz is in a prime position to make a significant impact in Los Angeles, following the footsteps of one of the NFL’s most respected franchises. Whether it’s shoring up the offensive line, adding depth to the defense, or finding that one key player who can make a difference, Hortiz’s ability to combine his Baltimore roots with the specific needs of the Chargers will likely define his first draft as their general manager.

In many ways, this draft represents the beginning of a new era for the Chargers, and with Tom Hortiz at the helm, the team’s trajectory may be about to change. Fans in Los Angeles and across the NFL will be watching closely as the Chargers make their first-round selection, hoping to see a roster that is well-equipped to contend for championships in the years to come.