Marcus Freeman recalls Joe Alt's first season at Notre Dame, recognizing NFL Draft potential

In 2021, Marcus Freeman arrived on Notre Dame’s campus as defensive coordinator under Brian Kelly. That gave him a close look at some talented freshmen who made their way to South Bend – particularly on the offensive line.

The Fighting Irish have become known for churning out talented NFL offensive linemen over the years, from Zack Martin to Mike McGlinchey to Quenton Nelson. McGlinchey was the last Notre Dame lineman to go in the first round of the draft when the San Francisco 49ers took him No. 9 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

But when Freeman got to know the young group on campus three years ago, one assistant saw Joe Alt as a potential first-round pick down the road. That coach – defensive line coach Mike Elston – is now in the NFL.

“I remember [my] first year as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, our defensive line coach – who’s now the defensive line coach for the Chargers, Mike Elston – he had said, that guy that you’re watching in practice on scout team will be a future first-round pick,” Freeman said Friday during the NFL Scouting Combine. “He was a skinny 270, 280-pound guy.

“Probably about Week 6 of that first year of 2021, he started, and has started every game since. He has been one of the most elite players I’ve been around.”

Suffice to say, Alt lived up to expectations. He was a first team All-American in 2022 and a unanimous All-American in 2023 at left tackle as part of his decorated career at Notre Dame. With the draft coming up next month, Alt continues to get first-round projections in mock drafts. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. had him going to the Tennessee Titans with the No. 7 overall pick in his Mock Draft 2.0.

At No. 5 overall, though, is a familiar face. That’s where the Chargers sit with new head coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm. He brought Elston with him, as well, after two seasons coaching Michigan’s defensive line.

There’s a sense the Chargers could look at the offensive line with that pick – if they stay there, of course – and Joe Alt could be an option. It looks like Elston’s prediction of a first-round selection could come true, although Freeman said they didn’t put a specific pick on it.

That said, he doesn’t think his star tackle will have to wait long to hear his name called in April.

“We didn’t say top-10,” Freeman said, “but I think it’s safe to say he’ll be as early as it gets.”