Patriots draft profile: Joe Alt looks like he’s been built in a left tackle factory

Alt is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft.

The New England Patriots’ left tackle position is one big question mark, with the top of the depth chart consisting of Chukwuma Okorafor, Calvin Anderson and Conor McDermott. Could one of those players emerge as a solid starting option for 2024 and beyond? It is possible, but given the individual histories still seems unlikely.

The Patriots investing in a new left tackle in this year’s draft therefore makes plenty of sense. And while there is a much more pressing need at quarterback, under the right circumstances the team might be in a position to grab the best tackle on the board: Joe Alt.

Hard facts

Name: Joe Alt

Position: Offensive tackle

School: Notre Dame

Opening day age: 21 (2/28/2003)

Measurements: 6’8 1/2”, 321 lbs, 82 3/4” wingspan, 34 1/4” arm length, 10” hand size, 5.05s 40-yard dash, 4.51s short shuttle, 7.31s 3-cone drill, 28.0” vertical jump, 9’4” broad jump, 27 bench press reps, 9.93 Relative Athletic Score

Experience

Career statistics: 38 games (33 starts) | 2,214 offensive snaps, 215 special teams snaps | 24 quarterback pressures surrendered (4 sacks, 5 hit, 15 hurries)

Accolades: First-team All-American (2022, 2023)

Alt wore several hats during his high school career at Totino-Grace in Fridley, MN. He played quarterback and linebacker, and lined up along the defensive line before settling in at tight end and part-time offensive tackle. His future was clear, though: he was a left tackle in the making, and as a four-star recruit decided to take his talents to Notre Dame.

He did see some snaps at tight end still during his 2021 freshman season, but ended up starting the Fighting Irish’s final eight games that year. Alt never looked back, and during his 2022 and 2023 campaigns developed into a bona fide left tackle prospect. The team captain ended his college career without missing a contest before opting out of his junior season bowl game.

Alt was named a unanimous All-American in 2023, and decided to forgo his senior campaign. He was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Draft profile

Expected round: 1 (Top 10) | Consensus big board: No. 9 | Patriots meeting: Scouting Combine

Strengths: At over 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Alt looks like he has been built in a left tackle factory. He combines prototypical size with smooth footwork, lower-body flexibility, an impressive feel for leverage and pad level, a powerful punch to stun pass rushers and move bodies in the running game, advanced hand placement, and a natural feel for defensive line games. Once he has you engaged as a defender, you are headed for the Shadow Realm.

Alt moves exceptionally well for a player his size. He has the range to neutralize different types of pass rush moves both around the edge and to the inside, and also recovers quickly when put under pressure. Those movement skills also allow him to be a factor in zone blocking schemes or in the screen game. He gets to his target areas quickly and decisively, and identifies his intended blockers with little problem or hesitation.

In addition, he comes from a family of professional athletes, is still young at 21 years old, was voted a captain in 2023, and offers the durability you would want from your starting left tackles. He is the total package.

Weaknesses: Alt’s weaknesses are few, but there are some areas he can still improve. At 321 pounds he might have some room to add weight to his massive frame, which would also help him to play with a more sturdy base against power rushers. He also has some moments where his height poses an issue against well-bending edge rushers, and his leverage does not always stay as clean as you would want it to be.

Patriots preview

What would be his role? Under previous head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots were at times hesitant to let rookie start at offensive tackle and especially protect the quarterback’s blindside. But even he would reconsider given Alt’s already advanced size and skillset. The Notre Dame product would be a Day 1 starter at left tackle.

What is his growth potential? Alt would be a high-quality tackle right from the start of his career, and only get better with more experience. He does have future All-Pro traits and could very well develop into a franchise left tackle holding down the position for a decade-plus.

Does he have positional versatility? You wouldn’t ask Alt to play anywhere but left tackle when on offense, but he does have some experience in other spots, most notably as a blocking tight end. In addition, he offers value as a member of the field goal and extra point protection squads.

Why the Patriots? Chukwuma Okorafor, Calvin Anderson and Conor McDermott — those are your frontrunners to compete for the starting left tackle job right now. Alt would overtake them on the depth chart from Day 1 and allow the Patriots not to worry about the position for the foreseeable future. If they receive that “Godfather” offer for the third overall position to trade down into the low single digits, Alt would be a high-quality pickup.

Why not the Patriots? Unless New England does not feel good about any of the quarterbacks available at No. 3 overall — which is possible although unlikely — there is a realistic chance the team will spend its first-round pick at that position rather than trade down or invest it differently. In that case, Alt ending up with the Patriots would not happen.

One-sentence verdict: Alt has the makings of a quality starting left tackle for years to come, but the circumstances make him landing in New England look unlikely at this point in time.

What do you think about Joe Alt as a potential Patriots target? Would the team really consider him over a quarterback prospect? Or could he be a target in a trade down scenario? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.