Bill Belichick calls Joe Alt a ‘premier left tackle candidate’

At that point, the broadcast went to film to highlight what Joe Alt is capable of doing on a football field. In it, Belichick compared him to former New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder.

“Reminds me of Nate Solder. Solder was 6’9″. Solder was a really athletic kid. This is Solder in that same kind of height and athleticism.”

Along with Alt’s athleticism, Belichick also praised him for his awareness, his ability to pull block, and how he’s matched up with the good pass rushers he’s seen. Belichick also highlighted his balance as a thing that Alt can work on at the next level.

“This guy, there’s a lot to like about him,” Belichick said. “He’s a quality guy. He’ll be a great team guy for them. Good teammate. You’ll like having him on your football team. There’s no question about that. This is a character pick too.”

There were those who felt that offensive line wasn’t the right choice for the Los Angeles Chargers with this pick. Those people, instead, thought Los Angeles should go out and get one of the talented playmakers in the draft. However, new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh insisted that an offensive lineman like Joe Alt is a weapon.

“I know the questions are gonna come up and you’re gonna say, ‘What about a weapon?’” Harbaugh said. “Offensive linemen, we look at as weapons.”

As the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft, Joe Alt’s rookie contract is set at four years and $33.1 million with the Chargers. He’ll also receive $20.9 million as a signing bonus. That comes with a fifth-year team option to keep him in Los Angeles through the 2028 season.