Seven-round NFL mock draft, Round 2: Building a win-now team from active players for 2024 season

Before the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson said he wanted to be a legend like Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. I’m sure offensive guru Andy Reid would love to work with the young passer’s talent, presuming Richardson’s shoulder is healthy.

Gardner has received first-team All-Pro honors in his initial two NFL seasons. Quarterbacks will aim to avoid this defender.

After the 49ers choose Gardner over their former defensive leader, Warner steps up as the next star middle linebacker in the Ravens’ renowned history of that position.

Detroit employs the timeless All-Pro marvel to halt pass rushers in their course and overwhelm defenders in the run game.

Aiyuk’s yardage production has increased in each of his last three seasons, leading up to a contract year where he’ll want to show he’s among the league’s best route-runners and strongest receivers after the catch.

Despite being undervalued after leaving USC and having unremarkable size and timed speed, St. Brown has managed to establish himself as a reliable safety blanket and a formidable presence in the red zone.

In 2023, Kittle achieved a career-high average of 15.7 yards per catch, demonstrating that he remains a significant threat for big plays as he enters his eighth year.

Martin, a future Hall of Famer, is capable of playing any forward position for a team that appreciates versatility in their offensive linemen.

Smith now unquestionably leads the Cowboys’ defense, using his football acumen and dynamism to chase down ball-carriers from one sideline to the other.

The Eagles are proud of their robust defensive line, and during his stint with the Ravens, Madubuike has emerged as a significant big man.

The Browns’ investment in Watson leads me to think he would be their pick in any draft.

Assuming Cousins is healthy to begin the season, he and Miami’s first-round pick in this exercise, Justin Jefferson, reunite to lead an efficient yet potent offense.

Why should I interfere with a Steelers team that acquired Wilson this offseason? Head coach Mike Tomlin is going to collaborate with the seasoned player to ensure everything flows smoothly in Pittsburgh.

After being released by the Panthers, Mayfield began four games for the Rams towards the end of the 2022 season. His time in Los Angeles appeared to bolster his confidence. Thus, it would be logical for L.A. to select him in this situation following his impressive 2023 season in Tampa Bay.

Daniels’ ability to make plays with his legs and his improvement as a pocket passer at LSU last season should intrigue the Colts.

The Jaguars land a solid starter at a reasonable price in Carr.

The Bengals secure a Pro Bowl corner, Johnson, who achieved a career-high four interceptions for the Bears last season.

Seattle secures the first-team All-Pro to strengthen the secondary.

New Orleans strengthens the left tackle position by adding the formidable Mailata.

In this exercise, adding an experienced, steady and athletic tackle is key to first-round pick Jordan Love’s progression in Las Vegas.

The Broncos add a four-time Pro Bowler at receiver, giving their first-round pick, Brock Purdy, a go-to guy.

I’m not going to be the one saying Evans will fall short of 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. He and mock-draft teammate Aaron Rodgers would likely connect more than 10 times for scores, as well.

In 2023, Mack’s career-high 17 sacks placed him near the top of the edge-rusher rankings again. I predict he’ll maintain this level of performance for another season or two.

Placing Lawrence at the center of any defensive front immediately enhances its effectiveness. The Vikings’ run defense is instantly improved with this pick.

The capacity of Williams to generate pressure in the interior will steer quarterbacks towards the Falcons’ edge rushers.

The surge in demand for defensive tackles puts Brown at the forefront of the Titans, providing them with a formidable presence that offenses must consider in every snap.

The Giants steal the speedy Wilson from the Jets, pairing the two-time 1,000-yard receiver with their first-round selection in this mock, Dak Prescott.

Jim Harbaugh grabbed one of his former defensive leaders at Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft in linebacker Junior Colson. In this mock, Hutchinson, a former Wolverine star himself, unsurprisingly lands with the Chargers.

Wirfs is one of the best pass protectors in the game and will help the Patriots keep top pick Joe Burrow upright.

After being traded from Carolina to Chicago, where he confirmed his status as a top NFL receiver, Moore is expected to be a similarly high-value target in Arizona.

Tunsil’s a four-time Pro Bowler who will do his best to keep the quarterback — in the case of this mock, Josh Allen — clean.

The combination of Patrick Mahomes (Carolina’s first-round pick) and Waddle would require defenses to strategize against them every week.