In NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft, the Chargers took Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.
In his second one, Los Angeles addresses the same side of the ball by getting Justin Herbert protection in Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt.
This feels like a statement pick, seeing how it’ll be Jim Harbaugh’s first selection since becoming the Chargers’ head coach. Alt would take over at right tackle in short order. Keep in mind that new GM Joe Hortiz came from Baltimore, where eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden started at guard his rookie year before taking over at tackle.
Alt was a staple up front for the Fighting Irish over the past three seasons. He was a starter during his freshman year in 2021 and held that role throughout his college career.
A consensus All-American in 2023, Alt only allowed four sacks throughout his career and was the highest-graded offensive lineman in the country this past season, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Chargers will look to improve the running game and ensure that Justin Herbert is kept upright, so Alt has been and will continue to be mocked to Los Angeles.
However, with Rashawn Slater at left tackle and Alt only playing that position his entire college career, that would require a change to right tackle over Trey Pipkins.
While it could be done, banking on it working with someone with the No. 5 overall selection might be a risk.
That’s why I believe they’re better off trading down and selecting a true right tackle, like Alabama’s JC Latham or Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga.
