As much as the 2024 NFL Draft is known for its quarterback prospects, the guys up front who protect those quarterbacks will play a pivotal role in this year's draft as well. There's potential for up to 10 offensive linemen to hear their names called on Day 1, with Notre Dame's Joe Alt being at the top of the list.
At 6-foot-9, 321 pounds, Alt is a towering, massive presence on the field. He possesses the size, athleticism, and polish that make him a highly sought-after prospect, especially considering he will only be 21 years old entering his rookie season. For the most part, Alt has virtually every tool and skill to become an immediate impact starter at left tackle, which makes him a perfect fit for the Tennessee Titans to select him at No. 7 overall. Here's a few more reasons why, too:
The Titans offensive line was horrible in 2023
The Titans had the distinct privilege of being Pro-Football-Focus's (PFF) worst-ranked offensive line last season, landing at No. 32. Tennessee's offensive line allowed the most sacks in the NFL last season with 49.
Aaron Brewer, the team's center, graded as the team's top offensive lineman with a 71.6 overall grade. However, his pass-blocking left a lot to be desired, where he graded at 52.5. Then again, so did the entire team's pass-blocking, with tackle Chris Hubbard grading the highest at 67.8.
“Many expected the Titans' offensive line to be the worst in the league, and they failed to defy expectations,” Zoltán Buday of PFF said. “The unit finished last in pass-blocking efficiency this season.”
It seems obvious how bad this unit was last year by the injuries to their quarterbacks. In Week 6, then-starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill sustained a sprained ankle against the Baltimore Ravens that caused him to miss a significant amount of the season. Granted, that did allow the Titans to see what they had in second-round draft pick Will Levis. But then Levis suffered injuries during the latter part of the season, in both Week 15 and 17, that essentially ended his season.
In almost 800 pass-blocking reps, Alt allowed just eight quarterback pressures and one sack over the past two seasons at Notre Dame. Priority number one for new head coach Brian Callahan has to be protecting Levis, making Alt the perfect draft pick for the Titans.
Titans released Andre Dillard, making room for Joe Alt
Starting with the new NFL year, the Titans already made changes to their offensive line unit, beginning with the release of tackle Andre Dillard. By doing so, the Titans not only saved $10.66 million in cap space but they also essentially made room for Joe Alt to come aboard.
Sure, it's not a sexy first-round pick for the second year in a row, as the Titans selected offensive guard Peter Skoronski in the first round of last year's draft. But as highly regarded as Alt is, and as big of a need as the Titans have at the left tackle position, it would be a pretty good-looking pick.
Joe Alt could start immediately
The left tackle position has been more or less a revolving door the last couple of seasons for the Titans, whether it was Dillard, Dennis Daley, Nicholas Petit-Frere, or Jaelyn Duncan, no one has taken over the position. But it seems clear that building the offensive line is a major priority for Callahan.
The Titans signed Lloyd Cushenberry to the largest free-agent deal for a center, at four years, $92 million with $50 million guaranteed. Plus, there's also the offensive additions of wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Tony Pollard. However, Levis still needs someone to pick up his blind side.
Alt has plenty of experience and talent to prove he is the rightful pick for the Titans at No. 7 overall and the one to take over the left tackle position. Add to that the fact that Callahan most likely will run a West Coast Offense, it makes Alt an easy fit due to his athletic profile, according to The Draft Network. This should be a predictable, no-brainer pick for the Titans, and one they shouldn't overthink. Alt is far and away the perfect choice for them and could very easily start from day one.
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