While we had our official mock draft run across the Postmedia chain in Thursday’s papers, there are of course some other options that teams could go with tonight. Here are some of the alternate picks we think could go down in the top 13 picks.
1. Cleveland
Our pick: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
Alternate picks: Mitchell Trubisky
This seems like the only other potential choice at No. 1 and it’s certainly a longshot.
2. San Francisco
Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Alternate picks: Jonathan Allen, Jamal Adams, Malik Hooker, Marcus Lattimore, Trubisky, O.J. Howard.
To say that the Niners have needs is an understatement. They could go in almost any direction here, including a trade down – which probably suits them best.
3. Chicago
Jamal Adams, SS, LSU
Alternate picks: Hooker, Lattimore, Allen, Trubisky, Deshaun Watson.
We think they’re set at QB for this season at least, but you can’t rule it out. Otherwise, there are a coiuple of difference-makers they can take here, with Adams and Allen most likely.
4. Jacksonville
Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
Alternate picks: Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffery, Trubisky, Howard, Watson
The Jags have surprisingly few holes for a team this bad. A QB is an option as the new management isn’t tied to Bortles. Also, they traded away Julius Thomas, which might pave the way for the Howard pick.
5. Tennessee
Marcus Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Alternate picks: Mike Williams, Howard, Adams, Hooker.
Perhaps their best move would be trading back and stockpiling more assets, but there is plenty of talent, both in receiving and in defensive backs, that could be taken here.
6. N.Y. Jets
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC
Alternate picks: Lattimore, Hooker, Howard, Watson, Patrick Mahomes, DeShone Kizer.
Quarterback is obviously a big and could go with any of the top four guys. If they go defence, any of the top DBs will easily slot in as a starter almost immediately. Howard would be interesting because the Jets seldom utilize their TEs in the offence.
7. L.A. Chargers
Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State
Alternate picks: Ryan Ramczyk, Williams, Corey Davis, McCaffery, Thomas.
The first real spot we could see an offensive lineman. A receiver would be a solid addition if the top DBs are gone and McCaffery would be an interesting prospect for them, considering his ability to play the slot.
8. Carolina
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Alternate picks: McCaffery, Allen, Thomas, Derek Barnett, Williams.
If it were up to us, it’s either going to be Fournette or McCaffery. If they’re both gone, a pass rusher or perhaps a WR would be the choice.
9. Cincinnati
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Alternate picks: Thomas, Reuben Foster, Taco Charlton.
The big question is if they’ll take Foster, whose stock took a big hit thanks to several off-field instances during the scouting process. He’s solid on tape though, making this a tough call.
10. Buffalo
Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
Alternate picks: Davis, Trubisky, Watson, Mahomes, Kizer, or any of the next four CBs.
Here’s our thought: Either they draft a replacement for Sammy Watkins, they draft an heir to Tyrod Taylor or they get someone to replace Stephon Gilmore, who left in free agency.
11. New Orleans
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Alternate picks: A QB, a CB or a WR.
With another pick later, they can always fill another one of their needs with that one. Taking a CB would signal that they’re not going to get Malcolm Butler. There’s also a good chance they take a QB to learn under Drew Brees for a year or two.
12. Cleveland
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Alternate picks: Trubisky, Watson, Williams, Davis, a CB.
Will they deal this pick to move up for a QB? The only thing we don’t think they’ll do is draft a second pass rusher after taking Garrett first.
13. Arizona
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Alternate picks: Williams, Davis, Howard.
Offence seems like the way to go for the Cards. They’re reportedly in love with Mahomes, but could easily take one of the top WRs or the amazing TE Howard.