The first few looks at Chargers right tackle Joe Alt has not disappointed.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 draft has gotten in on the action through two preseason games and has stood out for what he's been able to flash early.
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger knows quite a bit about the work in the trenches — and he had nothing but high praise for the Bolts rookie.
In his latest edition of "Baldy's Breakdowns," the former offensive lineman dove in to Alt's most-recent preseason performance against the Rams.
It's safe to say Baldinger was impressed with what he saw on tape
"He just knows how to use his length. It's on display all the time," Baldinger said. "That's a good thing, if you can wire them up, but sometimes you miss the jam.
"That'll happen. Now the defender is into his body," Baldinger added. "How are you going to recover? Watch him give up a little ground, reset his hands and now get good position."
Alt's size and athleticism is what helped make him a top-five pick in this year's draft.
And it stands out when you watch him on the field, according to Baldinger.
"At 6-foot-9, you've got to bend," Baldinger said. "Just keep staying inside out on a defender, quarterback has a lot of time to throw."
He later added: "His left hand is in Orange County, his right hand is going to be in Malibu. The guy's got tremendous wingspan. He knows how to use it."
According to Pro Football Focus, Alt had a 80.7 pass blocking grade against the Rams and did not allow a single pressure in 15 pass-blocking snaps. He was also the fourth-highest graded first-round pick from Week 2 of the preseason.
He boasts a pass blocking efficiency of 98.2 throughout his entire preseason thus far and has allowed just one pressure in 30 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF.
Alt's early returns have turned some heads and have built up some excitement of what the Bolts offensive line will look like when the regular season comes.
"He's going to get challenged inside, guys are going to come inside on him. If [they do], can you flatten them," Baldinger said. "Not just flatten them, but can you take them to the other side of the moon. And he does.
"Baldinger added: "Joe Alt's been excellent so far."
