Offensive tackles will always be in demand on the opening night of the NFL Draft and this year should be no different.
While quarterbacks and wide receivers are the headline positions going into next week’s big event in Detroit, there are plenty of excellent offensive line prospects that could end up being just as valuable as more high-profile skill position prospects.
Here’s a closer look at tackle Joe Alt, who is considered to be the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft.
Background and college career
Hailing from North Oaks, Minnesota, Alt attended Totino-Grace High School, where he split his time playing offensive tackle and tight end. He committed to Notre Dame in 2021 and moved exclusively to the tackle position, earning a 2023 nomination for the 2023 Outland Trophy which is awarded to the nation’s best lineman.
He finished his college career after being named in the 2023 College Football All-America Team.
Alt has NFL in his bloodline, as his father John was an offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, earning two Pro Bowl call-ups during 13 years with the team.
What sort of player is he
At 6ft 9in and 321lbs, Alt has the size and power you’d expect from a leading prospect, but not at the expense of lateral speed. Combine this with top-tier technique and you have the kind of player that can anchor a franchise’s line for a decade or longer.
Where is he likely to be drafted
A certainty to go in the top ten, Alt’s destination could likely be dictated by any top-ten trades that we see. Should the draft order remain as it is, it is hard to imagine him getting past Tennessee at number seven, where he would be a day one starter.
When is the 2024 NFL Draft?
The draft takes place over three days.
- Round 1: Thursday, April 25 (8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST)
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 26 (7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. BST)
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 27 (12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST)
2024 NFL Draft: How to watch
U.S.: ABC, ESPN and NFL Network
UK: Sky Sports NFL and DAZN
Canada: DAZN
Other regions not listed above will need to check their respective local schedules.
Live on DAZN PPV: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20. Click here for details.