Despite what all of the mock drafts attempted to indicate, the Los Angeles Chargers did not trade out of their No. 5 overall pick. Jim Harbaugh made a very "Jim Harbaugh-like" pick, selecting arguably the top offensive lineman in the class, Joe Alt out of Notre Dame. The Chargers already have a talented left tackle in Rashawn Slater, so it remains to be seen how Harbaugh will adjust his lineup.
Alt was a team captain and an unanimous All-American this past season. He started 33 games over the past three seasons for the Irish. Professional sports are in the blood of the former 4-star recruit out of Minnesota. He is the son of John Alt, who was a first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1984. His career ended in the team's Hall of Fame after being selected to the Pro Bowl twice. His brother, Mark, played with multiple NHL teams -- most recently the Los Angeles Kings.
Here's what the Chargers are getting in Alt, including his scouting report, pro comparison, combine results, career accolades and overall NFL outlook.
NFL Draft grade: B
"He is the best in this class, but now he has to make the transition to right tackle for Jim Harbaugh. That can be tough to do. But taking a lineman makes sense. I just might have taken J.C. Latham as a better fit." -- Pete Prisco
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Joe Alt NFL Draft prospect profile
- Age: 21 years old
- Height: 6-foot-9
- Weight: 321 pounds
- Arm length: 34 1/4 inches
CBS Sports prospect ranking
Position: No. 2 OT | Overall: No. 7 | Rating: 92.87 (All-Pro)
NFL comparison
NFL combine results
- 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
- Bench press: 27 reps
- 3-cone drill: 7.31 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.51 seconds
Scouting report
Joe Alt made tremendous strides in his career from 2022 to 2023. He looks like a much more flexible prospect capable of digging out smaller rushers. He can struggle with power players that get under his pad level and does not have ideal shock and power in his initial punch. Alt does a great job of adjusting his hands and feet when engaged.
Accolades
- 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-American (AP)
- 2023: Highest overall PFF grade (90.7) by FBS OL
Strengths
- Does a great job adjusting his hands and feet when engaged
- A much more fluid player in 2023 than 2022
- Does a good job with punch placement
- Moves well to mirror defenders laterally
Weaknesses
- Average job of engaging and sustaining blocks in space
- Average shock and power in his hands
- Power players can get under his pads and walk him back
