Jim Harbaugh Proves He's Building the Chargers' Roster His Own Way With Joe Alt Pick
By Joe Summers
Despite the smokescreens and rumors of a trade or surprising pick, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers stuck with convention at No. 5 in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Notre Dame OL Joe Alt to bolster the supporting cast around Justin Herbert.
Rumors swirled on Thursday morning about a potential shocking pick, but Harbaugh stuck to his guns in the end and selected the best lineman according to conventional wisdom.
For an offense in desperate need of stability, Alt represents a dynamic force with exceptional blocking traits in both pass and run protection.
Chargers Draft News: OT Joe Alt Represents a Home-Run Pick
RD 1 | PK 5 - Chargers: Joe Alt OT, Notre Dame
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 26, 2024
With the fifth overall pick, the @Chargers select Joe Alt, who earned the highest overall score (87) among tackles in the class.
Chargers will look to protect Justin Herbert after his right tackles allowed 13 sacks last season,… pic.twitter.com/aEBj2t7sCE
Alt is a fantastic athlete and was widely considered to be the best interior player in the draft, whether you're discussing offensive or defensive linemen. Harbaugh led Michigan to an NCAA championship by dominating the trenches and Alt will help the first-year coach build Los Angeles in his image.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both gone, but the Chargers can now form an identity around a strong run game and patient passing attack. Los Angeles needs significant improvements across the board, though Alt is the kind of prospect that makes life easier for everyone else.
The Chargers expect to compete for a playoff spot immediately and soon challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for an AFC West crown. Alt helps accomplish that goal. While he's not the most exciting selection, he's the right one.
Harbaugh is building this franchise in his image. This is an excellent first step and Chargers fans should be thrilled about the organizational direction.
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