The NFL draft haul that appears to make the most sense for the Titans begins with the selection of Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt at the seventh pick.

The 6-9, 321-pound Alt would fill a glaring positional need for the Titans, and he appears to be closer to a plug-and-play starting left tackle than any other prospect available at that position.

What we don’t know is whether Alt will be on the board for the Titans at No. 7.

New Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh likes nothing better than to run the ball down opponents’ throats behind giant linemen. So even though the Chargers have a quality left tackle in Rashawn Slater, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Harbaugh pick Alt with selection No. 5 and go with an imposing pair of bookends.

It’s with that scenario in mind that we take a look at the “Alt-ernative” Titans draft, one that would take some different turns without the big Fighting Irish tackle available.

Here’s one stab at a Titans mock draft if the Chargers — or another organization — take Alt before Tennessee is on the clock:

Pick: First round (No. 7 overall)

Player: Rome Odunze (Washington)

Position: Wide receiver

Ht. wt.: 6-3, 215

What we like: Do the Titans need to take a wide receiver in the first round? Absolutely not. In fact, the argument could be made that Tennessee doesn’t need to select a wide receiver at all this draft. But if Alt is off the board, then I’m comfortable with the Titans going with the best player available and waiting a round to address the left tackle situation. There’s a decent chance Odunze would be that player. And wouldn’t new Titans coach Brian Callahan love to scheme up plays for a receiving corps of DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Odunze? Mercy. Odunze finished first in the nation in deep catches (23), deep receiving yards (783) and contested catches (21). A team captain who gets high grades for character, Odunze caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards (17.8-yard avg.) and 13 touchdowns last season. What’s not to like about this guy?

Pick: Second round (No. 38 overall)

Player: Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma)

Position: Left tackle                                   

Ht. wt.: 6-8, 322

What we like: It would have been great to get Alt at No. 7. But despite the fact he wasn’t available in this exercise, Guyton is a great second-round get. Guyton played primarily right tackle at Oklahoma, but has enough length, athleticism and mobility to make the move to left tackle — even if it’s not absolutely certain it would happen by Week One of the 2024 season. There is still upside for Guyton, who played only 29 games and made 15 starts during his college career. But analysts love his ability to pass protect, as Guyton surrendered just two sacks in 548 pass-blocking snaps. He is not considered quite as skilled a run blocker at this stage of his career, but he has the potential to improve. Guyton’s quick feet and mobility are considered major assets.

Pick: Fourth round (No. 106 overall)

Player: T’Vondre Sweat (Texas)

Position: Defensive line

Ht. wt.: 6-4, 366

What we like: Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Sweat was arrested and charged with DWI earlier this month, just weeks before what should be one of the biggest days of his life. It’s clearly a red flag, so teams like the Titans will have to decide whether the incident is more a one-time mistake or a sign of poor decision-making and immaturity. If the Titans feel like he’s draftable here, Sweat could make a massive impact on a front seven that’s lost players like Denico Autry, Teair Tart and Naquan Jones, among others, over the past several months. The winner of the Outland Trophy and the Big 12 defensive player of the year, Sweat is a powerful — and nearly immovable — force in the middle of the line. He totaled 45 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and four passes batted down last season, earning a 91.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Sweat isn’t quick enough to pile up sacks from the interior, but he still pressures quarterbacks enough to disrupt them.

Pick: Fifth round (No. 146 overall)

Player: Tykee Smith (Georgia)

Position: Safety

Ht. wt.: 5-10, 202

What we like: Smith was a full-time starter for only one year at Georgia, but it was a very productive season. He played the hybrid safety/nickel “STAR” position for the Bulldogs and led the team in interceptions (four), tackles (70) and tackles for loss (8.5), while adding two sacks and six passes defensed. Smith’s playing style is described as aggressive and physical in both the run game and in pass coverage. He ran a respectable 4.46 40-yard dash, but doesn’t necessarily have the kind of speed and range to play as a single high-post safety. In addition to his strong defensive skills, Smith would bring a considerable presence on special teams, as he played more than 400 special-teams snaps over the past two seasons at Georgia, per The Athletic.

Pick: Sixth round (No. 182 overall)

Player: Tyrice Knight (University of Texas at El Paso)

Position: Linebacker

Ht. wt.: 6-0, 233

What we like: College production doesn’t always translate to the NFL level, but it’s a nice place to start. Knight was a tackling monster at UTEP in Conference USA, as he totaled 140 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and seven passes defensed last season. In his two previous seasons, Knight averaged almost 100 tackles. He obviously has great instincts when it comes to sniffing out runs and is considered an excellent tackler to boot. Per The Athletic, Knight has been described by coaches as a relentless worker both on and off the field. He may need to add some discipline to his game, but that’s what coaches are for.

Pick: Seventh round (No. 242 overall)

Player: Tanner McLachlan (Arizona)

Position: Tight end

Ht., wt.: 6-5, 244

What we like: The Titans’ tight end room could do with some more depth and competition, as the only three on the roster at present are Chig Okonkwo, Josh Whyle and Thomas Odukoya. A converted wide receiver, McLachlan is obviously not going to be a road-grader blocker. He needs to improve his skills in that department. But he’s a high-motor, high-energy player who has good speed for a tight end (4.61 40-yard dash) and explosive ability (35-inch vertical). McLachlan caught 45 of 55 targets last season, totaling 530 yards (11.8-yard average) and four touchdowns. He also forced 11 missed tackles, tied for ninth in the country among qualifying tight ends. McLachlan has the kind of physical traits that would translate to a dependable special teamer as well.

Pick: Seventh round (No. 252 overall)

Player: Tarheeb Still (Maryland)

Position: Cornerback

Ht. wt.: 6-0, 188

What we like: Still was a second-team All-Big 10 selection last season after snaring a team-high five interceptions and making 45 tackles. Opposing quarterbacks managed a mere 72.7 rating when throwing in his direction last season. Still played mostly slot during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, then moved outside during his final season at Maryland, so versatility is a strength. He’s also comfortable playing in both press and zone coverage. One other Still strength is his background as a punt returner. He returned 42 at Maryland for a seven-yard average, and took one punt back 92 yards for a touchdown.