Joe Alt's towering size is on full display during first day of Chargers training camp

The LA Chargers officially kickstarted training camp on Wednesday at the team's new state-of-the-art training facility, "The Bolt". Droves of eager fans showed up to watch their favorite team practice for the first time as Wednesday serves as the starting line for what should be a very fun 2024 season.

The 2024 season represents a new era for Chargers football. New head coach Jim Harbaugh is changing the culture in Los Angeles and after months of anticipation, fans finally get an up-close look at what this culture change will look like.

Fans also got an up-close look at 2024 first-round pick Joe Alt for the first time. The former Notre Dame left tackle is penciled in to be the Bolts' starting right tackle this season, giving the Chargers one of the biggest right tackles in the sport.

Fans knew Alt was huge heading into training camp but it was really put into perspective when he was going through drills next to his teammates. The six-foot-eight, 320-plus pound tackle is towering over his peers without ever playing an NFL snap.

It is not hard to see why the Chargers fell in love with Joe Alt in the 2024 NFL Draft

Even though he was regarded as one of the most sure-fire tackle prospects in recent years, Alt was not a popular selection when the Chargers took him fifth overall back in April. The majority of Chargers fans wanted the team to take Malik Nabers or to trade back a few spots and take a starting tackle along with the extra draft capital.

Instead, the Chargers stood pat with the fifth overall pick and made a rather surprising selection that does not seem very surprising in hindsight. The Bolts were always going to take the best player available and it is clear to see why the team viewed Alt as the best player.

There is no guarantee that a rookie tackle will be great right away in the NFL but if Alt can live up to his potential then the Charges are going to have one of the most menacing offensive lines in the sport. If Alt has the kind of rookie season Rashawn Slater had, and Slater returns to form after injuries, then suddenly a weakness will be turned into a strength.

2021 first-round pick Zion Johnson has not lived up to expectations thus far but he came out of the offseason looking absolutely jacked and is now playing under a head coach and offensive coordinator who can actually develop him.

Veteran Bradley Bozeman is lined up at center and while he is no Corey Linsley, he is familiar with Greg Roman's offense and should be an upgrade from Will Clapp. Next to him is Trey Pipkins, who is kicking over from right tackle to give the Chargers another huge, menacing presence at guard.

This offensive line is going to be big and while Alt won't make highlight-reel catches like Nabers will, he very well could end up being more important to the Chargers' overall success than Nabers would have been. Time will tell.

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