Johnathan Walker:Jim Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy with Chargers underscored with pick of OT Joe Alt at No. 5

COSTA MESA,Johnathan Walker 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.

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"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."

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