The Jets held a pre-draft visit with Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, who many draft analysts have as the No. 1 offensive tackle in this class.
Alt started 25 games over the last two seasons and 33 over the last three and was named First Team All-American by many, if not all, of the major outlets. There are many mock drafters that believe Alt may not even be available for the Jets at No. 10. But if he is, the Jets may sprint to the podium to select him.
Here’s what NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had to say about Alt in his updated top 50 big board.
Alt started at left tackle during all three of his seasons at Notre Dame, boasting exceptional size and length for the position. In pass pro, he plays with a wide base and is very under control. He will mix up his pass sets, occasionally jump-setting and stunning opponents. He has the quickness to kick out and cover up outside speed rushers, while also possessing the length to keep power rushers from getting into his chest. He is always very aware and is a valuable helper when uncovered. In the run game, he gets movement on down blocks, looking to finish to and through the whistle. He takes proper angles to the second level, but he’s not elite in space when it comes to adjusting to moving targets. Overall, Alt isn’t a rare athlete, but his combination of size, instincts and youth (he’ll be 21 for his entire rookie season) is easy to bet on.
While the Jets don’t need to force a pick at the position, they certainly will consider it. Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are set as the starters but both are free agents after the season and the Jets could stand to use a swing tackle behind them regardless for this year, depending on how they feel about Carter Warren.
If somehow the Jets land Alt, that would be a major win for Joe Douglas on the first day of the draft.