Chargers OC compares rookie RT Joe Alt to Hall of Famer

Los Angeles Chargers rookie right tackle Joe Alt has only started two games, but he's already drawing comparisons to a Hall of Famer.

On Thursday, Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman shared that Alt reminds him of former Ravens OT Jonathan Ogden, who he coached for two seasons in Baltimore.

"The potential is limitless," Roman said, via Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "I was with Jonathan Ogden many years ago, and he has a chance to touch that stratosphere. But that's a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of knowledge a lot of experience away. Right now, he is battling to get everything down and learn — empirical data is the best data, and his ability to learn from experience has been great so far. His ability to file things away and move on to the next thing is very big."

In 12 seasons with Baltimore, Ogden was one of its cornerstones, making 11 Pro Bowls and helping it win Super Bowl XXXV. Perhaps No. 5 overall pick Alt will have a similar role in L.A. 

He lined up against star edge-rushers Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders) and Jadeveon Clowney (Carolina Panthers) in his first two games. Despite the challenging matchups, he has only allowed one sack and two pressures, per Pro Football Focus. His play could be one reason the Chargers are 2-0.

In a Week 3 road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0), Alt is slated to face Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt. In two games, Watt — 2021 Defensive Player of the Year — has logged a 93 PFF grade, second at his position behind Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions). 

"Crosby Week 1, now you've got T.J. Watt, Merry Christmas," Roman said of Alt blocking Watt. 

If Alt holds his own against Watt, that would further his reputation as a budding star and show that the Bolts made the right decision when they drafted him.