They were able to use Alexander’s familiarity from his time in New York on another signing in tight end Tyler Conklin as well.
Conklin was an addition the Bolts know improves both the position room and locker room.
“Chad knows Tyler,” Hortiz said. “He was with him for two out the three years he was with the Jets. But I love what he brings to us — the competitiveness, the toughness, the hands, the run after catch, just the grit. I feel like we’re in a good spot. I think where we finished the year and what he adds to us, I feel like we’re in a better spot.”
Alexander added: “He’s a great guy, a pro’s pro, you know what I mean? Tough as they come, a great teammate, just a guy that loves football. I knew from my time spent with him in New York that he would be a great guy just to add to the locker room.”
Then there’s positions such as defensive line where they were able to bring back Teair Tart and add in Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones, two veterans who provide the depth at the position.
“I feel good about it. I really do,” Hortiz said. “I know all those players. I’ve watched them all over the years. There are players that you, and players that haven’t been here, ‘Man, he’d be a good guy to get someday.’ Then you get the opportunity to add them.
“The thing is, they’re hungry, they’re competitive, they’re great men, and they’re going to come in here and add to the culture,” Hortiz added.
The roster building isn’t done yet, but the Chargers feel good about what they have and what they’ll be able to add once they wrap up the draft.
“Just building, continuing to create competition across all levels, across all positions and create that depth that Joe’s been talking about,” Alexander said. “We feel excited and really, really grateful for the opportunity going into the draft here with 10 picks.”
Check out the Chargers Draft Hub for news and analysis of every pick next week.