Current:Home > StocksJim Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy with Chargers underscored with pick of OT Joe Alt at No. 5-InfoLens
Jim Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy with Chargers underscored with pick of OT Joe Alt at No. 5
View Date:2024-12-23 12:21:52
COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers fully embraced Jim Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy with their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Chargers declined trade inquires, remained at No. 5 overall and selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt.
"Offensive linemen we look at as weapons," Harbaugh said. "That group when we talk about attacking, when we talk about attacking on offense, offensive line is the tip of the spear."
The Harbaugh-led Chargers have been abundantly clear about their offensive identity – they want to play a physical brand of football, protect quarterback Justin Herbert and establish the run. Their new acquisitions include running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, center Bradley Bozeman and blocking tight end Will Dissly.
Alt was considered the consensus top tackle in this year’s draft. He was a unanimous All-American as a junior and was an All-American as a sophomore. He started 33 of 38 career games for Norte Dame.
NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.
"I feel like we got a guy that’s gonna come in and really improve our team," Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said. "He’s big, physical, tough, smart, durable, an outstanding player in college who is just scratching the surface.
"I said it from the beginning when we started talking about the draft. We are gonna take the best player available for the Chargers and that’s what we did (Thursday)."
Harbaugh revealed he received a stamp of approval via text from his brother, Baltimore Ravens coach, John, following the Chargers pick.
"He said that’s who I would have taken," Jim Harbaugh claimed.
Alt played left tackle at Notre Dame and never played a snap at right tackle. However, he’s likely going to be asked to play right tackle with 2021 Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater protecting Herbert’s blind side on the left side. The move to the right will naturally come with an acclimation period, but Alt believes he’ll adjust fine on the right side.
"I don’t think it’ll be a huge adjustment for me," Alt said of possibly playing right tackle. "I think that’s something I’ll be able to do if that’s what the coaches would like."
Alt is the highest-drafted Notre Dame offensive lineman in over 50 years. He also has good family genes. His father, John, was a first-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1984 and was a two-time Pro Bowler.
The Chargers have picked No. 5 overall five times in the common draft era. Two players the Chargers previously selected at five are Junior Seau and LaDainian Tomlinson, both of whom went on to have Hall of Fame careers. The Chargers' newest No. 5 overall pick is officially Harbaugh’s first draft pick as the team’s head coach, and the addition underscores the identity he’s aiming to establish in Los Angeles.
"This is a high, high ceiling and a really high floor player. This is a great piece," Harbaugh said. "As I said, it starts up front. Tip of the spear of our attack with our offensive linemen. He’s gonna be a tremendous piece."
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Kristin Cavallari's Ex Mark Estes Jokingly Proposed to This Love Island USA Star
- TikToker Taylor Rousseau Grigg Laid to Rest After Death at 25
- The 2 people killed after a leak at a Texas oil refinery worked for a maintenance subcontractor
- Climate Change Made Hurricane Milton Stronger, With Heavier Rain, Scientists Conclude
- Sofia Richie Reveals 5-Month-Old Daughter Eloise Has a Real Phone
- Ohio State-Oregon, Oklahoma-Texas lead college football's Week 7 games to watch
- Witnesses can bear-ly believe the surprise visitor at Connecticut governor’s estate
- The 2 people killed after a leak at a Texas oil refinery worked for a maintenance subcontractor
- 5-year-old boy who went missing while parent was napping is found dead near Oregon home, officials say
- BaubleBar’s Biggest Custom Sale of the Year Has 25% off Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets & More Holiday Gifts
Ranking
- Jason Statham Shares Rare Family Photos of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Their Kids on Vacation
- Iowa teen who killed teacher must serve 35 years before being up for parole
- Travis Kelce’s Ex Kayla Nicole Shuts Down Rumor About Reason for Their Breakup
- Biggest dog in the world was a towering 'gentle giant': Here's who claimed the title
- Judge weighs the merits of a lawsuit alleging ‘Real Housewives’ creators abused a cast member
- Singer El Taiger Dead at 37 One Week After Being Found With Gunshot Wound to the Head
- A hiker dies in a fall at Arches National Park in Utah
- Oregon’s most populous county adds gas utility to $51B climate suit against fossil fuel companies
Recommendation
-
Will the NBA Cup become a treasured tradition? League hopes so, but it’s too soon to tell
-
Appeals court revives lawsuit in fight between 2 tribes over Alabama casino
-
Documents show OpenAI’s long journey from nonprofit to $157B valued company
-
Biggest dog in the world was a towering 'gentle giant': Here's who claimed the title
-
Repair Hair Damage In Just 90 Seconds With This Hack from WNBA Star Kamilla Cardoso
-
Whoopi Goldberg slams Trump for calling 'View' hosts 'dumb' after Kamala Harris interview
-
Massachusetts pharmacist gets up to 15 years in prison for meningitis outbreak deaths
-
It’s not just Fat Bear Week in Alaska. Trail cameras are also capturing wolves, moose and more