Joe Alt Ready to Roll with LA Chargers Following Top 5 Selection
Joe Alt put a stamp on his collegiate career on Thursday night as he became the highest selection for a Notre Dame player since Rick Mirer was drafted No. 2 in 1993. The Minnesota native was also the highest offensive line selection for the Irish program since Art Hunter in 1954, who went No. 3 overall.
It’s hardly a surprise Alt went No. 5 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers as he is the fourth offensive lineman from Notre Dame to be drafted in the first nine picks since 2016.
Alt, who bypassed the draft festivities, can now focus on the next chapter of his life.
“I’m extremely excited,” Alt said following the draft selection. “I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Chargers organization and get ready to make this next step to go out and compete. I couldn't be more excited for this next opportunity.”
The Chargers had several needs, including receiver, but the organization applied taking the best player available philosophy on Thursday night and Alt gives Jim Harbaugh a massive building block for the future.
“It was a unanimous decision,” explained Harbaugh. “He was on the top of our board. Nobody was rated higher than Joe Alt when it came to our selection. I know questions will come up and say, ‘What about a weapon?’ Offensive linemen, we look at as weapons. We talk about attacking on offense and the offensive line is the tip of the spear.”
Joe Hortiz, the Chargers general manager, echoed Harbaugh’s comments and believes Alt can and will help the team right away.
“We’re going to take the best player available for the Chargers,” stated Hortiz. “That’s what we did today. He helps our team. He helps us get better and that’s what we want to do. We want to get better with every pick.”
Alt has widely been considered the best offensive lineman in the draft and was projected at left tackle. The Chargers already have a left tackle in Rashawn Slater, who is entering his fourth season, which means Alt could start his career on the right side.
“Whatever the coaches want, I’m happy to do,” Alt said. “I’m excited to go and get better at whatever position that means. I’m ready to get back to work.
“I don’t think it’ll be a huge adjustment for me. I’ve practiced during this combine prep preparing to play the right side. I think it’s something I’ll be able to do if that’s what the coaches would like.”
Yes, it’ll likely take a little work to get used to the right side, but Alt is more than ready to do just that. In fact, the Chargers are quickly going to find out that Alt embraces the process of becoming a better football player and knows he has plenty of room to grow.
“I love hard work and that’s what I’m always going to do,” Alt explained. “I think there is always room to improve. I take it one day at a time and try to get better at something each day. I love to improve my strike every day and that’s something that can really neutralize a defensive end and really get them out of their rush pattern.
“I can always work on trying to play lower. I have a tall frame, but I’m comfortable with the benefits of being longer. I think I have a lot of athletic ability to play with that length.”
The Chargers are also aware that Alt is far from a finished product, which makes the pick even more exciting in their eyes.
“He’s just scratching the surface,” stated Hortiz. “He just turned 21 years old in February. You’re talking about a guy who is still growing and maturing. The upside with him is tremendous.”
As for the elephant in the room, Alt believes his father John, who was a two-time Pro Bowler for Kansas City and a Chiefs Hall of Famer, will have no issues changing divisional colors.
“I think my dad is definitely alright wearing powder blue,” laughed Alt. “My dad is everything to me. He’s allowed me to become a man and taught me how to play football - on and off the field. I couldn’t be more grateful for him and what he’s allowed me to learn.”
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