Joe Alt — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Will Levis got a No. 1-caliber WR in Calvin Ridley during free agency. Now it's time for him to get a franchise cornerstone protecting his blindside. Notre Dame's Joe Alt is the man for the job.

Tennessee went out in free agency and got young QB Will Levis a new go-to receiver (Calvin Ridley), a new center (Lloyd Cushenberry III) and a new running back (Tony Pollard). But the Titans still need better insulation up front. Alt and 2023 first-round pick Peter Skoronski could form a terrific duo up front, with the Notre Dame product patching a left tackle spot that was a turnstile last season.

The Titans put a cherry on top of their fascinating offseason with this pick, bolstering the offensive line with a highly athletic tackle in Alt. Tennessee already added big-money playmakers in Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard, and dropping Alt next to last year's top pick, Peter Skoronski, should give second-year quarterback Will Levis a legitimate chance to make a big jump.

Titans GM Ran Carthon has made some big moves in recent weeks, signing WR Calvin Ridley and trading for CB L'Jarius Sneed. Now he adds protection for QB Will Levis.

They took guard Peter Skoronski last year, so now they take Joe Alt to play next to him. The line in front of Will Levis suddenly would be much improved.

After allowing 64 sacks last season (fourth most in the league), it is time for the Titans to figure out a new starting five on the offensive line. Lloyd Cushenberry was added at center, but the left tackle spot is absent of starting-level talent and Andre Dillard is gone after one season. Alt started 33 games in college and allowed just six sacks -- including only two in the past two seasons. He was also penalized only five times in college. He's pro-ready with great length and impressive mobility at 6-9. His run blocking isn't always full of pancake blocks, but Alt is a finisher with fantastic Day 1 ability and upside.

The Chargers gave up 43 sacks last season, 13th-most in the NFL. So despite the top receivers all being on the board and a glaring need there after trading Keenan Allen and cutting Mike Williams, I'm choosing to instead protect quarterback Justin Herbert. Alt is 6-9 with great movement traits, and he gave up just six sacks over 2,142 snaps in college. Fortifying the offensive line is the foundation of any Jim Harbaugh team, and that's especially true after Herbert missed four games last season with a fractured finger. The WR class is deep, so I'm taking my OT1 now and worrying about the pass-catchers on Day 2.

This player-team combo is the definition of a plan coming together. Tennessee opened the wallet (maybe a bit too much?) in free agency for wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The move allows general manager Ran Carthon to continue upgrading the offensive line with the top-rated tackle prospect, and the second O-lineman (Peter Skoronski) grabbed in the first round in as many years. Add in the signing of free-agent center Lloyd Cushenberry, and the Titans are doing what they can to assist the development of quarterback Will Levis.