The Los Angeles Chargers struck gold in back-to-back drafts when they selected Rashawn Slater in 2021 and Joe Alt in 2024. Now, as both enter 2025 healthy and fully developed, the Chargers may boast one of the best offensive tackle tandems in the NFL.
Slater is already an established presence, earning a Second-Team All-Pro nod as a rookie. His continued growth — along with an expected contract extension — is key to protecting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. But it’s Alt, the 6-foot-7, 323-pound former No. 5 overall pick, who has the Bolts buzzing this offseason.
Joe Alt Drawing All-Pro Praise as Chargers Envision Dominant Tackle Duo
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Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman didn’t hold back when discussing Alt’s trajectory.
“Joe Alt, I think you’re going to see a hands down All-Pro this year. Hands down. I can see it right now,” Roman said on Chargers Weekly. “Last year, he was just like Clifford the Big Red Dog, figuring things out. Now he’s worked hard, he’s at 330 pounds, and he’s got that man strength.”
Alt was quietly excellent as a rookie, allowing just six sacks and 24 pressures on over 1,000 snaps. His performance earned him All-Rookie honors from the Pro Football Writers of America and ESPN. Despite playing a new position at right tackle and working beside a struggling guard unit, Alt stood out. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned the second-highest pass-blocking grade among right tackles from Weeks 10 to 18.
Alt’s offseason work — done independently in Minnesota rather than with Slater in Dallas — has impressed the coaching staff. Roman revealed Alt walked into his office the day after the Chargers’ playoff loss with a list of details he planned to improve.
“Just little detail things, elite-level type stuff,” Roman added. “He’s going to take a huge jump.”
With uncertainty at center and left guard, the development of Alt alongside Slater and right guard Mekhi Becton is vital. If both tackles reach All-Pro levels, the Chargers’ offensive line could be the foundation for a playoff-caliber offense — and proof that Jim Harbaugh’s vision is taking hold in Los Angeles.
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