​Chargers tackle Joe Alt is entering the third year of his NFL career and has moved beyond being a rising star to establishing himself among the elite at the position. ESPN’s annual ranking of the top offensive tackles across the league placed the 23-year-old at No. 9, signaling that he has joined the ladder of premier blindside and right tackles in the NFL. That assessment, compiled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler with input from multiple executives, coaches, and scouts, comes as Alt enters the 2026 season with newfound status as one of the sport’s top OTs.
Among the praise surrounding Alt was a notable comparison to a longtime Eagles icon. An NFC executive told ESPN that Alt “will be the next Lane Johnson at right tackle,” highlighting a rare blend of size, strength, and athleticism. Another AFC executive echoed the sentiment, predicting that Alt will be a foundational piece for the Chargers’ offensive line “for a long time,” calling him a player who possesses everything a franchise seeks in a tackle.
Even though Alt appeared in only six games during his second season, his performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod, a testament to why he is already being likened to players who have sustained long, impactful careers. The comparison to Lane Johnson stems from a shared combination of imposing physical traits and natural aptitude. Alt measures about 6 feet 9 inches and weighs roughly 322 pounds, while Johnson stands around 6 feet 6 inches and weighs about 325 pounds. In terms of sheer size and ma​terial attributes, the two are strikingly similar, underscoring why scouts draw parallels between the pair at the right tackle spot.
Both players demonstrated their high ceilings long before reaching the NFL. Johnson’s versatility in college—stinting at tight end, quarterback, and defensive end—showcased the multi-position value that helped him flourish in the pros. Likewise, Alt’s college career at Notre Dame saw him thriving as both a tight end and an offensive tackle, with high school years that included time at linebacker, giving him a well-rounded football background that translates well to the NFL’s demands. Alt has spoken openly about looking up to Johnson as a model for how to approach the game and self-management. In a 2024 interview with USA TODAY Sports, Alt cited Johnson’s mental approach and the discipline of “the STA count” as qualities he admires and aims to emulate. He stressed that winning the initial moment at the line of scrimmage is crucial for determining the outcome of the play, a mindset he applied even before stepping onto an NFL field.
The comparison to Lane Johnson appears well-founded not only because of physical parity but also because of the strategic path Alt is following. Johnson’s sustained success and leadership—evidenced by multiple Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as a stalwart in the Eagles’ line—sets a blueprint that Alt is being guided to mirror. The Chargers hope Alt’s development follows a similar trajectory: to evolve into a dominant, durable presence at right tackle who can anchor the line, protect the quarterback, and open running lanes for the offense.
From a statistical and impact standpoint, Alt’s trajectory matters. Fowler’s breakdown emphasizes Alt’s elevation into the league’s upper echelon of offensive tackles, a process that includes contributing to the Chargers’ offensive success and helping quarterback Justin Herbert operate with efficiency. In the context of Herbert’s performance, Alt’s ability to provide robust protection and a reliable running game is a critical factor. The expectation is that Alt will continue to refine his technique, leverage his size and agility, and grow into a cornerstone figure for the Chargers’ front five.
In summary, Joe Alt has moved beyond the novelty of a promising young lineman to a bona fide top-tier NFL offensive tackle, with broad acclaim that places him among the elite by industry evaluators. The Lane Johnson comparison serves as a compelling frame for his potential, underscoring a shared blend of physical gifts, versatility, and professional approach that could define his career as he matures into a long-term shield for Justin Herbert.