Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt, a unanimous All-American in 2023 following a stellar junior season, is certain to be a top choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. The standout offensive lineman is in the Top 10 of Kiper’s first mock draft, which was released this past week. Kiper has Alt being selected as the No. 7 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans.
“Alt was the definition of a stalwart on the left side of Notre Dame’s line, where he started 33 games,” Kiper wrote. “He gave up just two sacks over the past two seasons. “Tennessee ranked 31st in the rate of sacks per dropback (11.1 percent) in 2023, so putting [Will] Levis in a better position to succeed should be a priority.”
Joe Alt Boasts an NFL Pedigree
NFL executives have long been impressed with Alt. And why not? Alt has an NFL pedigree. His father, John Alt, played tight end for two seasons at Iowa before moving to tackle and turning into a first-round draft pick in 1984. John played 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and was a two-time Pro Bowler.
During the season, former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker shared his thoughts on Alt with the Associated Press, saying, “He’s a pro. He is the epitome of the word—the way he approaches his work on a daily basis and leads the right way, his intangibles.”
While intangibles are a must to succeed at the next level, Alt’s measurables also attract attention. At 6-foot-8, 315 pounds, Alt towers over other offensive tackles. In addition to his size, he is incredibly agile. His attributes are the reason many draft analysts expect Alt to be a high draft pick. A four-star recruit out of Minneapolis, Alt saw time at tight end and on the offensive line as a freshman at Notre Dame. He moved permanently to the offensive line where he has starred since. This past season, Alt anchored an offense led by star running back Audric Estime and quarterback Sam Hartman. The Irish offense ranked 12th in the country with 5.3 yards per carry. The unit ranked 21st in the nation with just 1.3 sacks allowed per game.
Titans Need Strength in the Trenches
Wherever Alt ends up being selected, the consensus is that he will not have to wait long to hear his name called. It is a near certainty that Alt will be taken on the first day. But as Kiper points out, a team in desperate need of his services is the rebuilding Titans. Tennessee needs strength in the trenches, and Alt provides just that. If Kiper’s projection is correct, Alt will become the second straight offensive lineman taken by the Titans with their first pick. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Titans selected Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski with the 11th pick.
The Titans gave up 64 sacks during the 2023 season—tied for the third most in the NFL. Tennessee must make moves to protect Levis, their second-year signal caller, and a potential franchise quarterback. The big-bodied Alt is exactly what the Titans need.
First Round Selection
Of course, much can change following the combine and workouts ahead. The New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons could also be a good fit for Alt. The Jets have an all-star quarterback in Aaron Rogers. Rogers’ 2023 season was over before it started when he ruptured his Achilles injury. Alt could be their missing piece with Rogers back for the 2024 season the window of opportunity is closing fast. While the Falcons have also been mentioned in conjunction with Alt. Although, that might be a long shot. But, regardless, Alt figures to still be a high first-round selection on April 24, the day of the NFL Draft. Wherever he lands, Joe Alt is certain to be an outstanding NFL tackle for years to come.
