The NFL Combine continued to pick up on Day 2 from Indianapolis.
Wednesday marked the first podium sessions of the week, with the defensive lineman and linebackers taking center stage and answering questions from the media.
The Chargers, of course, have been one of the many teams busy since arriving in Indianapolis earlier this week, meeting with prospects and the on-field workouts slated to begin on Thursday.
Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz gave some insight on the mindset heading into the next couple of days.
"Yeah, we're looking at all positions," Hortiz said. "Definitely want to sure up the offensive line, we've got some holes there, Bradley Bozeman retired, and we got some free agents on the other line.
"Definitely have to add to it," Hortiz added. "Excited about the week."
Speaking of Hortiz, he joined a strong contingent of members of the team in the spotlight in Indy.
Hortiz joined Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel on The Pat McAfee Show live from Lucas Oil Stadium.
The trio dove into a number of topics, but Wednesday also marked the first time the Harbaugh has publicly weighed in on the hiring of the offensive playcaller.
"Great, just learning," Harbaugh said. "I'm really leaning on how Mike sees the game. It's creative, it puts defenses in a conflict. Kind of like our players, a lot of excitement to learn everything that Mike knows.
"That's really the main thing I keep leaning into," Harbaugh added.
That feeling was the same for McDaniel, who has been working with the group since his arrival.
"I couldn't ask for more. It's been awesome to join what they're trying to do," McDaniel said. "There's a lot of overlap in belief. We're coming to work every day enthused, trying to chase the same outcome.
"I'm invigorated," McDaniel added. "I'm juiced up."
That feeling was the same for McDaniel, who has been working with the group since his arrival.
"I couldn't ask for more. It's been awesome to join what they're trying to do," McDaniel said. "There's a lot of overlap in belief. We're coming to work every day enthused, trying to chase the same outcome.
"I'm invigorated," McDaniel added. "I'm juiced up."
The Main Takeaway
This week will go a long way in the draft process with about two months remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft, but the defensive tackle class has been one of the more popular projections for the Chargers in mock drafts.
And Wednesday was a big chance for them to make early impressions to NFL teams at the Combine.
Peter Woods is one of the many interior defenders that experts have paired with the Bolts, a defensive tackle who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds out of Clemson.
Woods said Wednesday in Indianapolis at the podium that he brings plenty of juice in the trenches.
"I think it's been pretty consistent. I think I bring a lot of positional versatility," Woods said. "I'm very comfortable at D-tackle playing the 3-tech with pass rush versatility and run game versatility. I think it varies, but one of the best parts of my game is being able to do a lot of different stuff."
A number of others also talked about what makes them stand apart the most.
Ohio State's Kayden McDonald, another player mocked to the Bolts in recent mocks, was among them.
"I would say my pad level, getting my pads down and using my violent hands is my best attribute," McDonald said. "Just playing with power every play, I would say I pride myself with my motor and playing the hardest. When you turn on the tape and watch four quarters, there's nobody that plays more consistent than me."
Texas Tech's Lee Hunter added: "I bring to a team high energy, I'm a football player. You're going to love me in the locker room, feel my presence."
The official measurements will come for the group on Thursday, but it was a topic that came up today as well.
"I don't really think it matters about the arm length or the extension that you have, it's about the work and how hard you're going to push yourself," Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks said. "Use my length, I got 35-inch arms, whatever it is I don't pay attention to it. It helps me use separation at the point of attack."
Tweet of the Day
Harbaugh had a chance to make an impactful throw by the end of his appearance with McAfee.
For the Combine, the show has been doing a challenge where the guest is able to throw a football to a target to earn $100,000 for charity.
The Chargers head coach stepped up to the plate at the end of the segment, nailing his second throw perfectly through the target to add to the charity tally.
A Peek Ahead
The time has come for the on-field activities to get rolling.
The defensive lineman and linebackers will hit the field for their measurements and on-field workouts from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (PT). It will be aired on NFL Network and stream on NFL+.
Before the first on-field workouts of the week get started however, the defensive backs and tight ends will hit the podium.
The group is headlined by a number of big cornerback names in what NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah called a "deep class" like Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood, Avieon Terrell and many more to go along with the top tight end prospect Kenyon Sadiq.
