6. L.A. Chargers (5-11) — Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
I keep putting him here, which is boring for a mock draft where I can channel Kevin Garnett. (ANYTHING IS POSSIBBBBBBBBBBLEEEE!) But L.A. is desperate for a quarterback, and Herbert is a good prospect — much better than Jordan Love, who is getting too much hype after the combine.
7. Carolina (5-11) — Jordan Love, QB, Utah
Remember what I told you about anything being possible? Let’s get weird. The Panthers want to make things work with Cam Newton, for now. But perhaps they’ll turn him into a bridge quarterback. Love has upside, with the most potential from the shoulders down among all quarterbacks in this draft. It’s just that coach Matt Rhule will need a year to get Love mentally ready for the NFL. Newton will buy Love that year.
8. Arizona (5-10-1) —Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
One of the draft’s best prospects falls because, well, quarterbacks. The Cardinals secondary gets exponentially better with an elite cornerback.
9. Jacksonville (6-10) — Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
He plays like the freakishly large receivers Kenny Golladay and A.J. Green. Higgins’ potential should tempt a team like the Jaguars to take him in the top ten picks. At 6-foot-4, Higgins’ wingspan is 81 inches. That’s just short of Michael Jordan’s 83-inch wingspan.
10. Cleveland (6-10) — Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Browns will weigh a decision between Becton or Tristan Wirfs, both elite athletes who would thrive in Kevin Stefanski’s zone blocking scheme.