Chargers News: Los Angeles Rookie Already Impressing Justin Herbert

As well he should be.

Jul 24, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) talks to tight end Donald Parham Jr. (89) during the first day of training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Highly-touted Los Angeles Chargers rookie offensive tackle Joe Alt may have been a somewhat controversial selection with the No. 5 pick in Aprils' 2024 NFL Draft, but he's already paying off big-time in one key aspect — impressing his Pro Bowl quarterback.

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Justin Herbert already is enjoying the protection afforded him by having the 6-foot-8 two-time All-American out of Notre Dame on the line.

“We view offensive linemen as weapons, to have guys like that, especially at the right tackle position, is a mountain,” Herbert said. “He’s a tough guy even for me to see over sometimes.” That's hard to do, considering that Herbert himself is one of the league's taller signal callers at 6-foot-6.

Alt was drafted ahead of All-American former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (who was picked at No. 6 by the New York Giants) and former Washington Huskies pass catcher Rome Odunze (who was ultimately added by the Chicago Bears with the No. 9 selection).

The selection of Alt over these starry wideout options, despite the team having offloaded six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears and flat-out cut WR2 Mike Williams (who's now with the Philadelphia Eagles), instantly signalled a fresh direction and vision for the franchise under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh and first-year general manager Joe Hortiz. The duo is looking towards a smashmouth offense, highlighted by a new emphasis on the run game and extended pass protection.

Harbaugh arrives to the Bolts, his one-time stomping grounds as a player (albeit during the San Diego days), fresh off a stellar nine-season run with another playing alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines, whom he just led to the College Football Playoff national championship. He's not totally a stranger to the NFL, however, as he previously coached the San Francisco 49ers to a 44-19-1 recod from 2011-14, a run that included three NFC Championship Game berths and one Super Bowl appearance.

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