Chargers News: How Fresh GM Joe Hortiz Will Help Bolts

The former John Harbaugh comrade is shifting allegiances.

New Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz enjoyed a long and decorated career while with the Baltimore Ravens, as Eric Smith of Chargers.com details in a fresh examination of the man expected to steward a fresh vision of LA into the playoffs.

"Hortiz has helped build the Ravens from the ground up and is now finally getting his chance as a GM," Smith notes. "Hortiz will bring a strong work ethic and a salt-of-the-Earth approach to the Bolts, something that will surely pair well with new Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh."

During his 26-season stint with the Ravens, Hortiz initially served as a scout before transitioning to his role as the club's director of player personnel, a gig he held from 2018-23.

Perhaps the most imperative next step for Hortiz is determining what to do with LA's No. 5 pick in this year's draft.

As Smith observes, some of the biggest draft Hortiz's top picks during his run with Baltimore include Pro Bowl running back Jamal Lewis, two-time Pro Bowl tight end  Todd Heap, Hall of Fame defensive back Ed Reed, All-Pro linebacker and defensive end Terrell Suggs, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley, All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews, Pro Bowl offensive linebacker Patrick Queen, All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton and Pro Bowl offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum.

Perhaps most critical for the purposes of this promotion is Smith's connection to Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, brother to new LA head coach Jim.

"You better believe Jim Harbaugh got a strong recommendation from his brother that Hortiz was the right man for the job," Smith writes.