Notre Dame has seen only three alumni get drafted in the top 10 since 1994. Star offensive tackle Joe Alt has a real chance to make it four Thursday night.
Alt confirmed March 2 at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that he’s met with the Chargers, Titans, Bears and Jets, all of whom hold selections in the top 10 of April’s draft. The 6-foot-8 ½, 321-pound behemoth only allowed 1 sack in his last two seasons with the Irish, becoming an elite run blocker at the same time.
During his Combine workout, Alt posted a 9.93 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), according to Pro Football Network’s Kent Lee Platte. That placed him at No. 11 out of 1,314 offensive tackles since 1987. Alt is No. 8 (and the highest-ranked offensive lineman) on NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s big board.
“In pass pro[tection], [Alt] plays with a wide base and is very under control,” Jeremiah wrote. “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.”
The last three Notre Dame players picked in the top 10 are also offensive linemen, with tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Quenton Nelson being the latest at No. 9 and No. 6 to the 49ers and Colts, respectively, in 2018. Shortly before that, the Ravens selected tackle Ronnie Stanley sixth overall in 2016.
The two Irish alumni drafted in the top 10 before those three both made the Hall of Fame, and their sons could share the field at Notre Dame Stadium as early as 2025. Defensive tackle Bryant Young went No. 7 to the 49ers in 1994, and a year earlier, running back Jerome Bettis went No. 10 overall to the Rams. Bryce Young, Bryant’s son, is a freshman at Notre Dame while Jerome Bettis Jr. is committed in the 2025 class as a wide receiver.
Just missing the five latest picks by mere minutes: Quarterback Rick Mirer, whom the Seahawks drafted second overall in 1993.
The last five top-10 NFL Draft picks out of Notre Dame
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