The New York Jets have a lot of choices in the 2024 NFL draft.
However, if they decide not to select Notre Dame's offensive line Joe Alt, they may have serious problems.
“He [Alt] will probably be available for the Jets. If the Jets are lucky enough to have Alt available at pick 10 in the first round and they don't choose him, they should face serious consequences,” famous radio host Mike Francesa stated on his podcast.
“If Alt is available for the Jets, it would be a great thing. He would be a long-term starter, possibly 14 years. He would be an All-Pro player multiple times. He is a player on the offensive line who can't be missed. Can't be missed,” Francesa explained. “Right background. Right everything. A 6-foot-7 tackle. As I said, there's a 50-50 chance he'll be available.”
Will Alt Be on the Board for the Jets in the First Round?
Francesa described it as a 50-50 chance that Alt would be available for the Jets to pick at No. 10.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Alt is the fourth most likely player the Jets will choose in the first round if he is still there.
“If seven of the first nine picks are wide receivers and quarterbacks (a real possibility), Alt could fall to 10. That’s especially true since Alt isn’t considered the unanimous No. 1 tackle around the league. Some teams view Fuaga and Olu Fashanu in that light, too,” Rosenblatt revealed. “The 6-foot-7 Alt would be difficult for Douglas to pass on — unless he used the pick as an opportunity to trade back.”
The Jets hosted Alt for a top-30 visit this week, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
In Daniel Jeremiah’s top-50 4.0 big board for the NFL Media group, he ranked Alt as his No. 8 overall player in the class and the top-rated offensive lineman.
Jets Could Provide the Ultimate Insurance Policy to Protect Aaron Rodgers
The general manager Joe Douglas deserves praise for rebuilding the Jets’ offensive line this offseason.
New York has a new starting five, but they need more depth to help Aaron Rodgers feel secure.
Douglas called free agent acquisition Tyron Smith one of the best pass protectors in league history. Morgan Moses has proven to be a stabilizing force throughout his ten years in the NFL.
Both players are 33 years old and are set to be unrestricted free agents in 2025.
If Alt is chosen, it would provide a special insurance policy for 2024. If either starter were to be unavailable, the Jets could confidently put their expected first-round pick into the lineup.
He could act as the backup tackle for the all-in season in 2024 and then become the main left tackle for the franchise in 2025 and beyond.
“Overall, Alt isn’t an exceptional athlete, but his mix of size, instincts, and youth (he’ll be 21 for his entire rookie season) is something worth betting on,” Jeremiah explained.
If this unfolds, the Jets would, for the second consecutive offseason, choose a player in the first round who isn't anticipated to play significant minutes in the first year.
