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

The Chiefs bring back Ward, who has become a top corner in the league since leaving Kansas City as a free agent two years ago.

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’s had a tough time staying healthy the past two years (missing 14 games) but has the potential to be an elite cover man if he’s able to 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 grown into an excellent pass rusher in Pittsburgh, and he fits the Dolphins’ scheme well.

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 land a strong playmaker in Metcalf, who averaged 16.9 yards per catch last season and already has 43 receiving touchdowns through five seasons.

Thibodeaux took a step forward in Year 2, improving from four to 11.5 sacks last season. The sky’s the limit for the former top-five pick, and the Steelers would love to see him reach that potential in Pittsburgh.

After a sophomore slump, Adebo became one of PFF’s highest-graded corners in the league in 2023. The Rams hope he can intercept four passes (or more) 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 is a third-year player looking to enter the upper echelon of NFL edge rushers. His bulk and power off the edge would fit well in New Orleans.

Jacobs missed four games due to injury last year but is still one of the league’s top rushing/receiving threats at the position.

Speaking of dual-threats, Williams broke out with the Rams in 2023, accounting for 1,350 yards of total offense and 15 total scores in just 12 games.

Collins stepped up his game for C.J. Stroud and the Texans last season, showing he can be both a downfield playmaker and strong third-down converter.

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

Robinson had 272 touches (214 rushes, 58 receptions) as a rookie, looking at times like a star in the making.

Olave has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first two NFL campaigns, but his touchdown total (nine) remains modest. He’s due to be a bigger factor in the red zone in Year 3.

Oliver is exactly the type of penetrating 3-technique the Bears want on their interior.

The Jets hope the three-time Pro Bowl selection returns to health in 2024 after missing 10 games to a foot injury last 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.

The Giants build their offensive line from the inside out, taking Humphrey as a sturdy but mobile anchor.

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 should maximize London’s size and speed to make plays in the medium-to-deep range, allowing the young receiver to hit 1,000 yards for the first time (866 receiving yards in 2022, 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.

Carolina takes a shot on Smith despite the Hall of Fame-worthy talent’s inability to stay healthy. He last played more than 13 regular-season games in 2015.