NFL Exec Praises Jim Harbaugh, Chargers for 'Slam Dunk' Joe Alt Draft Pick

One anonymous executive complimented the Los Angeles Chargers' decision to use the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NFL draft on former Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt.

"Joe Alt was a slam dunk pick," the executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic. "People wanted to make them pick receivers, but trading back up to get Ladd McConkey, who is maybe the best route runner in the draft, was cool. I think they nailed this first draft, didn't try to do too much, just did a nice job hitting doubles. They got good players with a path to playing."

Many expected head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers to target a wide receiver after the team traded Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears and released Mike Williams in order to save $20 million in 2024 cap space.

Although Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. was off the board by the time Los Angeles was on the clock, there were still several talented receivers available such as LSU's Malik Nabers and former Washington wideout Rome Odunze.

Instead, the Chargers chose to select Alt after three seasons with Notre Dame. He excelled as a pass protector in college, allowing just four sacks in 1,103 career pass-blocking snaps (via Pro Football Focus).

The front office chose to fulfill the need at wide receiver in the following round of the draft, trading up to select Georgia's Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick. McConkey hauled in 30 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns during his senior campaign in 2023.

Both players will likely see the field often in 2024 and should help make quarterback Justin Herbert's life easier in the Chargers' offense.