While most teams scrambled for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers made a surprising move of picking an offensive tackle with their No. 5 pick. As Joe Alt joins the franchise’s offensive line, head coach Jim Harbaugh‘s decision becomes a topic of discourse.

The 21-year-old OT from Norte Dame is expected to strengthen the offense of the Chargers and provide quarterback Justin Herbert the protection he needs. In a recent conversation, a former NFL Scout defended Harbaugh’s draft choice and the Chargers’ lack of making a sensational decision.

John Middlekauff explains Jim Harbaugh’s draft strategy

On The Colin Cowherd Podcast, the host expressed how he expected the Chargers to have a more explosive draft this offseason. Cowherd pointed out that while many mock drafts predicted a wide receiver pick, he wasn’t sold on the idea. While he understands the reasoning behind the team’s picks, he “didn’t think there was a ton of fireworks with the Chargers.” 

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff responded to the lack of excitement. He said while people opined that the franchise should trade up and go for players like Xavier Worthy, Keon Coleman, or Ladd McConkey, Harbaugh is not a coach to make those decisions.  “Jim not into this sexy football,” said Middlekauff. “He’s not trying to be -you know Lane Kein or Lincoln Riley, that’s not the way he coaches.”

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He further talked about the head coach’s experience and talked about his strategy in the offense. “I think when he said we view offensive linemen. As Weapons.” The former scout is right about the head coach’s mindset, as Harbaugh himself addressed the possible questions that might arise at Alt’s draft decision.

Harbaugh explains Joe Alt’s draft

The 6’8″ 321lb offensive tackle brings a bullish physicality to the offensive line. After Alt’s draft, the head coach explained the mindset behind the Chargers’ “unanimous decision.” Harbaugh said he realizes that many might ask why the team didn’t choose a “weapon,” but he explained how he considered all the members of the offensive line a weapon.

“I know the question is going to come up, ‘What about a weapon?’” Harbaugh said, as per PFT. “Offensive linemen, we look at as weapons. That group, when we talk about attacking on offense, the offensive line is the tip of the spear.”

He explained how the linemen are necessary to help the quarterback “finish his throwing motion” by protecting the position. He further credited the legendary coach, Bill Walsh, who was known for his offense techniques, for the idea. “It’s not just the running game with the offensive line. They protect, and that’s why they get paid so much money… The quarterback has to be able to finish his throwing motion….That comes from Bill Walsh. I’m stealing that one, I didn’t invent that one.”

Jim Harbaugh has laid his mission of honing the Chargers’ offense crystal clear with Joe Alt’s draft. Hoping to form an explosive partnership with the other offensive linemen to ultimately assist Justin Herbert, Los Angeles will step into the upcoming season with renewed energy on the gridiron.