Chargers stealing Joe Alt from AFC foe proves LA made right call staying at No. 5
With such a high selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, the LA Chargers had a long list of options at their disposal, especially since three of the four teams picking ahead of them needed quarterbacks. It seemed clear the choice would be for an offensive player, but with so many changes made to the roster through free agency, it was unclear what position it would be.
Having an already-established quarterback was an even bigger plus heading into the draft and allowed the Chargers to look elsewhere to bolster the offense. It would be fair if it was a wide receiver since Keenan Allen had been traded to the Bears and Mike Williams had been released.
But there was a major need on the offense line, mainly at left tackle, and it looked like the best player of the class would be on the board when the Chargers were on the clock at No. 5.
That's exactly what happened; Notre Dame's Joe Alt became a Los Angeles Chargers that night. It was an exciting move for new head coach Jim Harbaugh, as Alt instantly became a prized pick. But apparently, the offensive lineman was hoping to go elsewhere on draft night.
Joe Alt was hoping he'd fall in the first round to go to his dream team
Because he knew he was by far the best tackle in the class, Alt was very aware he'd likely be chosen in the top ten. With the first three picks established as quarterbacks and some of the teams in the middle probably looking at receivers, he hoped he would fall out of the top five picks to one specific team.
What team was it? The Tennessee Titans at No. 7.
"I met with Coach Callahan down in Tennessee. The biggest thing that hit me was it's very black-and-white in how he coaches. He laid out very specific things that he wants for me. It was a great coaching scheme and you know exactly what he wants and how to fix it if you do it wrong. All the visits I had, he was the best."
Other than his desire to go to a different AFC team being evident, the silver lining is that Alt appears to have no real affinity for a team with an established head coach.
Callahan is in his first year as the Titans' head coach, replacing Mike Vrabel, which could be concerning to incoming rookie players. The Chargers have Harbaugh, who isn't exactly new to the game, but it is his first year in Los Angeles and his first return to the NFL since the 2015 season.
Although it's not necessarily fun to hear a draft pick state he was hoping to go elsewhere, Alt has yet to say anything negative about being chosen by the Chargers and his experience thus far. Most players probably do have a dream destination but they're well aware they're not in control of where they go and most just hope to make it into the NFL.
Regardless, Alt will be a great addition to the offense for years to come and will instantly make Justin Herbert's job much easier.