The Los Angeles Chargers are hinging quite a bit on the successful implementation of Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme in 2026.
Of course, his outside-zone run game and YAC-centric air attack will require major tweaks to the offense, and those have been undertaken consistently throughout training camp and the preseason. Justin Herbert has reworked his shotgun stance, and the existing receiving corps has been reworked to prioritize athleticism and speed in the open field.
But an even more pressing chance is McDaniel and Butch Barry's strategic overhaul along the offensive line. Not only was the entirety of the interior O-line replaced this offseason, but the pieces they brought in were meant to reflect McDaniel's emphasis on athleticism and power in a zone-blocking scheme.
Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, the Chargers' star tackles, aren't new pieces, though. To this point in Alt's career specifically, he's only operated under the gap-blocking, between the tackles ground attack of Greg Roman.
But Alt projected to be a highly athletic lineman when he came into the league, and he's only continued to prove that across his first pair of professional seasons. Perhaps McDaniel can truly maximize him— and Alt's comments during his press availability on Monday reflect that fact.
Chargers RT Joe Alt on aspect of Mike McDaniel's offense he enjoys: "It's a ton of fun to run off the ball and use your athleticism as an offensive lineman" pic.twitter.com/bUey1Hrtr4
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) August 24, 2026
Joe Alt may be able to kick things up a notch in Mike McDaniel's scheme
Alt taking his performance to another level may seem like a ridiculous ask. He's been one of the best tackles in football when he's been available through his first two seasons. He posted a pass-blocking grade of 79.4, according to Pro Football Focus's system, as a rookie, only to top that with an 82.3 mark in his shortened sophomore campaign. He got down-ballot votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he earned a Pro Bowl nod even though he played just six games in 2025.
While much attention has been given to the guard and center spots this offseason, that's largely been due to the uncertainty surrounding the positions. In an zone-blocking scheme, coordinators are largely able to mitigate any failings or pitfalls along the interior. But McDaniel's ground attack is dependent upon the tackles and the tight ends to help set the edge, giving the back a true option to cut outside when needed.
That might be the scheme that Alt's skill set has been tailored to all along.
In Lance Zierlein's 2024 scouting report on Alt for NFL.com, he calls the Notre Dame product "a capable drive blocker with the foot quickness to play onto the second level," also adding that Alt "plays a disciplined brand of football, avoiding penalties and working with fluid transitions from entry to sustain to finish as a run blocker."
In many ways, that sounds simply like a scout's way of rephrasing what Alt characterizes as "using your athleticism."
Alt also posted an athleticism score of 94 at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 5.05-second 40 yard dash and a 9'4" broad jump—both impressive figures for a lineman of his size and stature.
But having seen him on the field for two seasons now, we also know the consistency and violence that Alt is capable of playing with. If he was that good under Roman's scheme, perhaps McDaniel's emphasis on his athleticism and sheer power can help unlock another level to his game.
Alt is likely already a top 8-10 tackle in the NFL. With a fully healthy season under McDaniel, he could very well be looking at top-five status by the time it's all said and done.
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