Seven-round NFL mock draft, Round 4: Building a win-now team from active players for 2024 season

The Chiefs have re-signed Ward, who has risen to become one of the league’s top corners since departing from Kansas City as a free agent two years prior.

It’s not a big leap to compare Brock Purdy to Bo Nix, and Kyle Shanahan should appreciate the rookie’s college experience and moxie.

Building a strong line in front of Geno Smith starts with the strong, agile Lindstrom.

Stingley has struggled to maintain his health over the last two years, leading to him missing 14 games. However, he possesses the potential to be a top-tier defensive player if he can consistently stay on the field.

This scenario makes sense, given the number of comparisons between Maye and Josh Allen before this year’s draft.

The Texans are happy they drafted C.J. Stroud in 2023, but the big-armed Levis could also have been in the conversation. Year 2 is key for the young passer to fulfill his promise.

Tampa Bay took a shot on Baker Mayfield last offseason and does the same in this exercise with Darnold, who some believe is due for a strong year as a starter in Minnesota.

Flowers’ speed and strong hands made him the star receiver Lamar Jackson needed in Baltimore last season. He and Justin Fields could build a similar relationship in Green Bay.

Losing Tyler Smith to the Eagles in Round 3 means the Cowboys will be looking here for a powerful guard like Dotson to dominate in the run game.

Highsmith has evolved into an outstanding pass rusher in Pittsburgh and his style aligns well with the Dolphins’ scheme.

Young’s first year in Carolina did not go as planned, but the Eagles will try to build around him as they did Jalen Hurts.

The Browns have secured an accomplished playmaker in Metcalf, who last season averaged 16.9 yards per catch and has already amassed 43 receiving touchdowns over five seasons.

In his second year, Thibodeaux advanced significantly, increasing his sacks from four to 11.5 in the last season. As a former top-five pick, his potential is limitless and the Steelers are eagerly anticipating his full potential being realized in Pittsburgh.

Following a disappointing sophomore year, Adebo emerged as one of the top-rated corners by PFF in the league in 2023. The Rams are hopeful he will be able to intercept a minimum of four passes again in 2024.

Just as it did in the 2021 NFL Draft, Cincinnati grabs the first rookie receiver off the board, giving quarterback Kyler Murray the big-time playmaker he needs to have a successful 2024.

Pickens led the NFL with 18.1 yards per reception last year, making him the sort of big-play receiver Tua Tagovailoa needs to take advantage of to help Seattle’s offense stretch the field.

Johnson, a third-year player, aims to rise among the top tier of NFL edge rushers. His substantial size and strength off the edge would be a good match for New Orleans.

Despite missing four games due to injury last year, Jacobs remains one of the league’s top threats at the rushing/receiving position.

Williams emerged as a dual-threat for the Rams in 2023, racking up 1,350 yards of total offense and 15 total scores in merely 12 games.

Last season, Collins demonstrated his proficiency for both downfield playmaking and strong third-down conversions for C.J. Stroud and the Texans, thus elevating his game.

Denver keeps this home-grown talent in-house, selecting Bolles to protect Brock Purdy.

As a rookie, Robinson had 272 touches, comprising 214 rushes and 58 receptions, occasionally displaying the potential to become a star.

In his first two NFL seasons, Olave has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards each time, though his touchdown tally (nine) is still relatively low. He is expected to play a more significant role in the red zone in his third year.

Oliver is precisely the kind of 3-technique interior player that the Bears are looking for.

The Jets are hopeful that the thrice-selected Pro Bowl player will bounce back to health in 2024, following a foot injury that caused him to miss 10 games the previous season.

Ridley’s 2023 performance (1,016 receiving yards, eight scores) backed up his belief that he could return to form after a year and a half away from the game.

Humphrey is chosen as a robust yet agile anchor by the Giants, who construct their offensive line from the inside out.

Jim Harbaugh showed he values offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting tackle Joe Alt fifth overall, so selecting one of the top pivots in the league would be no surprise here.

Josh Allen ought to take full advantage of London’s size and speed to execute plays in the medium-to-deep range. This strategy would enable the budding receiver to achieve a milestone of 1,000 yards for the first time, having previously recorded 866 receiving yards in 2022 and 905 in 2023.

Joe Burrow will appreciate Engram’s ability to move the chains, as he led all tight ends with 114 receptions last season.

My colleague Eric Edholm expects a bounce-back season from Burns in 2024, and I agree.

Despite the health issues that have plagued the Hall of Fame-worthy talent, Carolina decides to take a chance on Smith. He hasn’t played more than 13 regular-season games since 2015.