Written By Adam Aniba
Next to quaterback, left tackle is the next premium position and features some blue chip talent that are projected to be selected early on draft night.
Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt is one of the most refined prospects in this entire draft and will be in high demand.
Joe Alt
6'8" 322 lbs | OT | ND
Draft Proj Early Rd 1
Background
Alt grew up in North Oaks, MN and played footabll and basketball for Totino-Grace Catholic HS.
Although Alt loved basketball, football is in his blood with Father, John being the 1984 1st round selection of the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to joining the Chiefs John played tight end and tackle for the Iowa Hawkeys. He finished his pro career as a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the 2002 Chiefs Hall of Fame.
Alt lined up at tight end and defensive end during his junior year for Totino-Grace (17 rec for 143 yards). During his senior year he moved to left tackle (613 snaps), earning All-Metro honors, All-District, Minnesota Vikings All-State, Academic All-State and was a Mr. Football Finalist.
The Totino-Grace tackle received a 4-star ranking by 247Sports and was a 3-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals.
Alt was rated as the 21st offensive tackle nationally and 2nd best player in Minnesota. The tackle received overwhelming attention during the scotuing process for his play as a senior and ultimately commited to play for Notre Dame.
In 2021 Alt lined up at tight and along the offenisve line, playing in 13 games (started 8 games). Alt helped the Irish offensive to a season-high 293 yards rushing vs North Carolina (10/30) and started in the 2022 Playstation Fiesta Bowl vs Oklahoma State.
Alt finished the season allowing 3 sacks after being thrust into the starting left tackle slot.
The following season the Notre Dame tackle started 12 games at left tackle (897 snaps) and only surredered 3 QB hurries, 2 QB hits and allowed zero sacks. During his sophmore season Alt looked unstoppable at times and was named the First Team All-American by the AP, Pro Football Focus, CBS Sports among others.
"He's a pro" offensive coordinator Gerarrd Park said. "He is the epitome of the word pro the way he approaches his work on a daily basis and leads the right way with his intangibles."
Alt is a Lombardi Award Finalist and is inline for multiple other accolades this season. Although Alt is yet to declare for the NFL, it's the worst keep secret in college football that the Notre Dame tackle will declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Awards & Accolades
2023 Lombardi Award Finalist
2023 Joe Moore Award Semifinalist
2022 Associated Press First Team All-American
2022 Pro Football Focus Freshman All-American
2022 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll
2022 Pro Football Focus Freshman All-American
PROS
Explosive first step allows him to get the jump off the snap with the lateral agility to fend off speed/bull-rushers
His combination of atleticism, strength and length allow him to quickly redirect pass rushers in addition to opening up gaping holes in the run game
Natural when pulling and out in space
A tecnician with a smooth kickslide and dispalys the ability to quickly recover if out of position
Advancd counters with violent hands and a punch that foreces rushers to redirect, most notably when facing the blitz/stunts
CONS
Doesn't show much of a meanstreak, needs to develop a mualer mentality on the next level
Overall bend needs refinement with his height impeading his ability to get low enough at times
Needs more production/consistency when drive blocking
Although posesses strong hands, doesn't maximize hand placement in run game
Not exceptionally quick, which is a bit surprising based on his tight end backround
Outlook
Alt built an impressive resume in a short career while at Notre Dame. His accolades as a scholar athlete shoudln't be understated and his decesion making as a cebreal athlete is evident from his tape.
Just like any college prospect there is room for improvement. As mentioned, Alt needs to find the fire within and become more of a mauler to excel as an overall blocker on the next level.
Regardless, the Irish left tackle will impress scouts during offseason workouts and will ineveiably be a top 10 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
*GAMES WATCHED*
10/14 vs USC, 10/28 vs Pitt, 11/4 Clemson, 11/18 vs Wake Forest & 11/25 vs Stanford
**CLICK CARD BELOW FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
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