Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, one of the wild card teams near the top of the order was the Los Angeles Chargers. With a new regime in place with head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Horitz, it was anyone’s guess what direction they were going to go in.
Rumors swirled that Los Angeles could look to trade the pick and pick up a few more assets later in the draft. Wide receiver was a position of need if they held onto the selection, as was the offensive line.
In the end, the Chargers ended up staying put at No. 5. With the No. 5 overall pick, Los Angeles selected Notre Dame offensive tackle, Joe Alt. Alt was the No. 1 rated offensive lineman in this year’s draft class and will instantly improve the team in the trenches.
The No. 1 goal for the new regime is making life easier for franchise quarterback Joe Herbert. Protecting him with an upgraded offensive line is certainly one way to do that, as Harbaugh and Horitz are rebuilding the team from the inside out.
It was a selection that one former NFL executive who spoke to NFL Analysis Network liked a lot for the Chargers. The executive is high on what Alt can bring to the table, as they believe the Notre Dame product will be a bonafide star.
“I was worried the Chargers were going to get fancy and go for a playmaker. What they’ve needed is protection for their superstar quarterback. Joe Alt is a perfect pick for L.A. He’s going to be an absolute star at the NFL. Think Joe Thomas.”
Joe Thomas was one of the best left tackles in the NFL during his 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns. He made the Pro Bowl in his first 10 seasons, with a streak of nine consecutive First or Second All-Pro team nominations.
If Alt gets close to that level of production, the Chargers are going to be thrilled. While selecting an offensive lineman isn’t the flashiest move, it is one Los Angeles will benefit from for years to come as he will help keep Herbert upright and healthy.
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