Seven-round NFL mock draft, Round 1: Building a win-now team from active players for 2024 season

No surprise here. The strong-armed, mobile playmaker is the top pick in this exercise for the second straight year, fresh off his third Super Bowl title in six years as a starter. 

Allen possesses the skills to dethrone Mahomes from the pinnacle, but the Lombardi Trophy still eludes him. He has not yet reached a Super Bowl, with the Bills bowing out of the Divisional Round in the last three postseasons.

Burrow recently said he’s considered his football mortality after dealing with a season-ending injury for the second time in four years. Given the quarterback’s talent and competitive nature, the Patriots take a chance he returns to form in 2024.

Last fall, Jackson delivered his best season since 2019, securing MVP honors for the second time in his career. He presents a formidable dual-threat at the quarterback position for the Cardinals.

Jim Harbaugh, the new head coach of the Chargers, consistently lauds Herbert throughout this offseason. It’s likely that the opportunity to collaborate with Herbert was a key factor influencing the ex-Michigan Wolverines coach’s decision to return to the NFL.

The Giants enjoy seeing their division rival’s quarterback in this position. Prescott’s stability in the pocket is a quality that Big Blue has missed in recent years.

The Titans couldn’t pass on the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year here, as he showed immense potential to be a true game-changer.

In 2023, Hurts experienced a setback, however, Atlanta anticipates him to recover as a passer and maintain his high productivity as a runner.

I understand this might upset Chicago fans, but the Bears can’t help but consider taking on their old adversary from Green Bay for a year’s contract, provided he’s fit to play after recovering from the Achilles injury that cut his 2023 season short in the first week.

The Jets acquire an additional experienced quarterback to effectively distribute the ball, while the robust defense is supervised by head coach Robert Saleh.

Kevin O’Connell, the head coach, reunites with Stafford, having previously served as his offensive coordinator during the Rams’ Super Bowl run a few seasons ago.

I can easily imagine head coach Sean Payton appreciating the mental and physical toughness that Purdy has brought to the 49ers.

Love’s performance towards the end of last season propelled him into the upper half of the league’s top quarterbacks. The Raiders are hopeful that his development from the pocket will persist.

If Lawrence’s sophomore campaign (25 TDs, 8 INTs) more accurately reflects his 2024 potential as an elite passer than his last season (21 TDs, 14 INTs), the Saints may have identified a real bargain. The athletic player’s performance could prove to be a valuable asset.

The Colts take the first defender off the board. Garrett, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, has posted double-digit sacks in six consecutive seasons.

Tua’s out to prove his success in Miami is not just a result of offensive guru Mike McDaniel’s coaching and explosive receiver Tyreek Hill’s playmaking.

Speaking of Hill, the Jaguars decide he is worth taking as the first building block of their offense over the remaining available quarterbacks.

Murray’s output has been on a consistent decline since his sophomore year with the Cardinals, with a knee injury he incurred towards the end of 2022 being the main reason for this decline. The Bengals in the mock-world are joining the Cardinals in the real-world in hoping for his health and consistency in order to have a comeback season.

No matter where Parsons lines up, he is a game-wrecker. The Rams will use him both outside and inside.

The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year has maintained his health for two consecutive seasons. The versatile star is deserving of a high draft position.

Watch out, defenses, Jefferson and Mike McDaniel are teaming up, regardless of who the Dolphins have as quarterback.

Lamb was already off the board and then the Eagles passed on Justin Jefferson in favor of Jalen Reagor in the 2020 NFL Draft. GM Howie Roseman won’t miss this time around.

He might play for a rival in real life, but the Browns won’t have an issue taking one of the league’s top defenders. Watt finished second to Myles Garrett for DPOY last season and he won the award in 2021.

Williams has a chance to become a star in the NFL very quickly if he maximizes his potential from the pocket and on off-platform plays. We know how much the Cowboys love stars.

Jones’ prowess in the frontlines should not be overlooked towards the end of the first round. He is a defensive cornerstone for the new Packers Defense Coordinator, Jeff Hafley.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bucs select a strong offensive lineman to kick things off, considering they have chosen an offensive lineman in the first or second round in four of the last five drafts.

Crosby single-handedly dominates the front, simplifying the game for the other 10 defenders on the field.

Bosa’s output declined in 2023, with his sacks reducing from 18.5 to 10.5. However, the Bills remain content to establish their defense around the 2022 DPOY.

The Lions secure one of the league’s most sought-after players. Brown, known for his dependability, strength and open-field agility, is now a part of Detroit’s team.

Chase’s production declined last season after Joe Burrow was sidelined and the star receiver dealt with his own injury issues, but he’s still a downfield threat worthy of a first-round selection.

Despite entering his 11th season, Adams remains an elite receiver whose presence can elevate a team.

Kelce may not be at the peak of his prime, but both he and the Chiefs would not prefer him to play elsewhere.