Trench battles mark season opener in Los Angeles

Chargers first-round pick Joe Alt was considered the top offensive line prospect in this draft class.

The two-time All-American allowed just one sack in his final two college seasons and earned a 90+ offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in each of those seasons. After his first NFL training camp, he rose to the top of the player rankings. In the 55 snaps Alt played in the preseason, he allowed just one pressure and no sacks. He is now slotted to start on the right side opposite Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater.

“He’s big, he’s got a big frame and he’s physical,” Michael Mayer said of Alt, his former teammate at Notre Dame. “To be honest with you, he’s the best offensive lineman I ever played with in college.”

But his first NFL start could be a telling experience. On the other side of the line of scrimmage will be none other than Maxx Crosby.

Let’s recap Crosby’s 2023 season: He led the league in tackles for loss, had the second-most solo tackles of any defensive lineman, and had a career-high 14.5 sacks — all while playing 95 percent of the defensive snaps. He was a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was voted the 10th-best player in the league by his peers. With Christian Wilkins playing alongside him, it’s not too crazy to imagine Crosby raising the bar even higher in 2024.

“(Alt) likes to get his hands on you and No. 98 (Crosby) is the best at not letting you get your hands on him,” Mayer said. “So I’m looking forward to that game.”

In his 10 career games against the Chargers, Crosby has compiled 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.