Offensive tackle Joe Alt, selected in the first round with the fifth pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, proved in his rookie season that he has what it takes to be successful in the NFL.
Looking at only his regular season stats on Pro Football Focus (PFF), he was responsible for six sacks, one quarterback hit, 13 hurries, and 20 pressures, ending that season with a 97.7 pass blocking efficiency.
Additionally, at the end of the regular season, he had the second-best pass blocking grade of the team (79.4%), behind only left tackle Rashawn Slater. And though the postseason matchup against the Texans wasn’t his best, he still managed a 94.6 efficiency rating.
With an offensive line influx for 2025, and left guard Zion Johnson possibly moving to center and not a lot of clarity regarding who will take his place, it’ll be up to Slater, newly signed offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, and Alt to keep this line afloat.
Though he’s not flashy like a wide receiver or running back, Alt may be the difference maker for this Chargers squad this year.
Los Angeles Chargers OT Joe Alt In 2024
Besides wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who ended up having a killer rookie year, Alt was the talk of the Chargers 2024 draft class.
Even as soon as the fifth day of training camp, Daniel Popper of The Athletic noted as Alt went head-to-head with former Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, “Alt showed some quick recognition and the movement skills that were a big reason he was a top-five pick in April. Alt was able to get hands on Bosa and prevent a clean win to the inside.”
In that first game against the Raiders, he continued to get praise after only allowing one quarterback hurry and one pressure. He wasn’t perfect in that matchup, as during the third quarter, defensive end Maxx Crosby got around him as he was blocking former Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane, but considering it was his NFL debut, Alt held his own.
Week 3 against the Steelers was where Alt hit a rough patch. After Herbert went out with an ankle injury, Alt allowed a sack by linebacker T.J. Watt on backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke in the fourth quarter, and additionally allowed Watt to get in on a sack with defensive lineman Cam Heyward in that same quarter.
Alt sprained his MCL during that game, keeping him out of Week 4 against the Chiefs.
Week 9 was also messy for Alt as he had troubles against defensive end Myles Garrett, where during the second quarter, Alt just couldn’t hold him off, and as Herbert tried to escape, Garrett got him.
Alt redeemed himself in Week 10 against the Titans, only allowing one hurry, one pressure, and no sacks.
Week 16 against the Broncos also marked a bright spot for Alt as he worked to create a big hole for former Chargers running back Gus Edwards to break through for a 43-yard run during the fourth quarter.
And in Week 18, he took over at left tackle for an injured Slater, a position he played in college and at times during training camp.
Alt also did decently in run blocking throughout 2024, ending the regular season with a PFF grade of 71.6%.
Joe Alt Could Be An Even Bigger Deal In 2025
Alt has the size, the strength, and the versatility to adapt to multiple tackle positions. Certainly, there is some worry for him as the center and left guard positions are not yet set, but if Becton is next to him on the right side, I see Alt getting the support he needs, even if the line is going through some changes.
Joe Alt is the Chargers best first-round draft choice since 2021, and as long as he stays healthy, he can have a standout year, again.