The debate is already underway about who is the top quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL draft. That’s not the only position where there are multiple worthy choice of being deemed the best.
Offensive tackle is another position where some teams, and draft analysts, will diverge on which prospect gets top billing. Notre Dame’s Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu from Penn State each have viable claims to the throne of the best offensive attack prospect in 2024.
Alt declared for the draft this week. Fashanu has yet to officially declare and does have eligibility remaining — meaning his decision could render it a moot argument. They are divergently skilled enough to justify having a split decision over which one is “better,” too.
As of now, I favor Alt. He’s 6-foot-8 but bends well and moves quite fluidly for a taller player. He also understands how to pack punch in his hands; his jolting initial jab impacts pass rushers’ progress much in the manner of Trent Williams. Alt sustains run blocks nicely but also has a good feel for when to let go. He also brings a surliness to his run blocking that really stands out. Guys who can get inside his punch can stand him up, and the anchor strength when he doesn’t initially win the rep needs some development.
Fashanu might be even more athletic, especially when watching him fan out against widely-aligned pass rushers. His coordinated movement and quick feet are exceptional. If a team has a pure pocket passer or a scheme that features complex routes that can take time to develop, Fashanu is probably going to get the nod. He’s not as imposing as a run blocker and showed some tendencies to overextend himself in 2023 that didn’t build off his outstanding 2022 season.
Expect both to be among the first 10 picks of the 2024 NFL draft.
