When the pads come on at training camp, most of the attention shifts to the trenches, where you can evaluate the offensive and defensive line accurately.
In this case for the Chargers, all eyes were on first-round pick Joe Alt, who got his first taste of NFL-level competition.
In one-on-ones, Alt faced edge defender Joey Bosa. Alt held his own, showing his polished pass-protection skills.
“He acquitted himself well,” Harbaugh said of Alt.
In team drills, Alt played both right and left tackle, which they had him do because of Rashawn Slater’s slight injury he’s working through.
Despite getting beat by Bosa on one rep, where the veteran threw out a double swipe move to catch the rookie off guard and get home to the quarterback, Alt had a good day.
Alt exemplified quick hands, light feet and a strong anchor to keep pass rushers at bay.
Over the next few weeks, Alt’s only going to get better going up against some of the best edge rushers in the league. As they say, iron sharpens iron.