Scouting Combine Rumor Sparks Jets Interest in Notre Dame Offensive Tackle?
The New York Jets may be in position to secure the services of the nation’s top offensive lineman in the upcoming NFL Draft, after all.
With the Tennessee Titans (slated to pick at No. 7 overall) rumored to be experiencing a shift in draft philosophy, the Jets path to selecting Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt with their No. 10 pick might be clearer than originally expected.
While the Jets have made no secret of their desire to improve their offensive line via the Draft, it had been assumed that the Titans (also with an obvious need at the position) would be eager to add Alt as a cornerstone to their rebuilt line. However, recent comments made by Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon and newly-minted head coach Brian Callahan indicate that the Titans may be turning their attention to upgrading their offensive skill positions.
“Both Ran Carthon & Brian Callahan with a huge emphasis on acquiring playmakers and ‘guys that score touchdowns,’ wrote AtoZSports. “Also referenced a draft class that is deep at OL and Bill Callahan’s ability to develop players. I get the feeling that WR at 7 is likely for the Titans.”
Cred: USA Today Images
Should the comments of both Carthon and Callahan reveal that the Titans are out of the running, the Jets interest in Alt immediately becomes more than just wishful thinking — a concept which is already making the rounds throughout Jets media circles.
Though Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga have exhibited Pro Bowl-caliber potential, Alt is as close to a certain franchise cornerstone as there is. The 6-8, 315-pound tackle posses perhaps the most impressive blend of size, movement and body control of any o-line prospect in recent memory. His versatility allows him to succeed in a gap-heavy offensive scheme, while his athleticism and strength permit him to thrive in a zone-based system, as well.
In short, Alt’s physical prowess and cerebral acumen all but ensure them a maximum return on investment. In fact, one NFL draft analyst recently deemed the massive tackle Gang Green’s top draft target.
“Let’s find a way to get Joe Alt,” said NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers. “I don’t know how you’re going to be able to do it, you’d need him to fall or you’d need to get creative. Maybe you can call one of those teams if he fell out of the top five and say hey we want to flip up to you for some 2025 draft capital.
“Alt is a stud,” Rogers continued. “He is the best offensive tackle I’ve evaluated since Penei Sewell … Man if you walk away [from the draft] with Joe Alt you kind of have that feeling when [the Jets took D’Brickashaw Ferguson] many years ago.”
The Titans interest in enhancing their receiving corps through the draft — and thus bypassing their offensive line — may ironically be tied to their purported attraction to Jets free agent tackle Mekhi Becton, who is not expected to return to New York next season.
