JetNation Prospect Profile: Notre Dame OT Joe Alt

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt is a player who is unlikely to be on the board if the Jets stay at pick ten.  However, there are some draft scenarios that suggest it’s not entirely out of the question.  Given the opportunity to take Alt to improve their offensive line, the Jets would be crazy not to pull the trigger unless there’s a trade down opportunity that nets them a haul of picks.

So our latest JetNation player profile along with Taliese Fuaga, Payton Wilson and Olu Fashanu is Joe Alt.

Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame, #76

Height: 6-8

Weight: 322

(Complete measurements pending NFL combine)

Hometown: North Oaks, MN

High School: Totino-Grace

Class/Age: Junior, 20 years old

Recruit: ★★★★

Film Study

Games Watched: Notre Dame vs Ohio State (2023), Notre Dame vs Ohio State (2022), Notre Dame vs Clemson (2022)

Balance: Alt’s background as a converted tight-end can sometimes work against him, finding himself over-extended at times, but very rarely does Alt find himself knocked down. 

Pass Protection: This is where Alt shines. Fundamentally sound and can handle stunts with relative ease. Seals the edge for quick passing game stuff well.

Joe Alt's feet in Pass Pro are like a Press Man CB. pic.twitter.com/mZbf4XjMGS

— Mighty Kaos aka Coach Williams 🏈 (@mightykaos41) February 4, 2024

Run Blocking:  Is good at sealing the edge. Can get out in space with quickness. Can overextend at times in an attempt to get to the second level. 

Lateral Mobility/Athleticism: As mentioned above, a converted tight-end gives Alt better athleticism than expected for somebody 320+ playing RT. Moves with decent fluidity in the run game. Has quickness when needing to recover. 

Point of Attack Power: Alt isn’t going to be confused with a thumper, somebody who can lay the wood down on impending pass rushers with power, but does contain enough to avoid being knocked backwards.

Hands:  Doesn’t overextend hand placement. In pass pro, he’s able to maintain good hands.

Anchor:  Handles power and speed rushes well with a solid anchor.

Strength: Uses his size and frame well in the run game.

Size: He is able to use his size and length to keep defenders at length. 

Versatility: Was a mainstay at left tackle for the Fighting Irish, but would move along the line depending on formation. Not sure I see him being anything other than a LT at the NFL level.

Notes:

• His father, John, was a former NFL player for the Chiefs. Brother, Mark, is a professional hockey defenseman.
• As a true freshman at Notre Dame, played both offensive tackle and tight end. 
• 2023 finalist for the Outland Trophy. 
• Unanimously named to the 2023 All-American Team. 

Summary:

A mainstay of the Notre Dame offensive line, Joe Alt projects as one of the first offensive line to hear his name called early in April at the NFL Draft. In the best possible terms possible, Alt is a guy who’s always just doing what he needs to be doing. He’s seemingly always in the right spot, and shines in the passing game.

When profiling offensive lineman for the Jets, expectations are high. A player is needed to be a Year 1, Week 1 starter to protect Aaron Rodgers and Alt fits that bill. It probably won’t be flashy, it probably won’t make any major highlight reels, but Alt is a guy that you place at the LT spot and watch him for years protecting a quarterback’s blindside. 

Chris Schubert

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