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 earned first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two NFL seasons. He’s a defender quarterbacks will look to stay away from.

After the 49ers pass on their erstwhile defensive leader in favor of Gardner, Warner becomes the next star middle linebacker in the Ravens’ storied history at the position.

Detroit takes the ageless All-Pro wonder to stop pass rushers in their tracks and engulf 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.

Undervalued coming out of USC, St. Brown has become a safety blanket and strong red zone presence despite having unremarkable size and timed speed.

Kittle averaged a career-best 15.7 yards per catch in 2023, showing he’s still a big-play threat entering his eighth year. 

Martin is a future Hall of Famer who can play any position up front for a team that values versatility in its offensive linemen.

Smith becomes the Cowboys’ unquestioned defensive leader, tracking down ball-carriers from sideline to sideline while utilizing his football intelligence and explosiveness.

The Eagles take pride in having a strong defensive line, and Madubuike has become an impact big man during his time with the Ravens.

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.

Who am I to stand in the way of a Steelers team that brought in Wilson this offseason? Head coach Mike Tomlin will work with the veteran to make sure all is copacetic in Pittsburgh.

Mayfield started four games for the Rams late in the 2022 season after he was released by the Panthers, and his stint in Los Angeles seemed to give him a confidence boost. So, it makes sense L.A. would pick him in this scenario after his strong 2023 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 grab a Pro Bowl corner in Johnson, who intercepted a career-high four passes for the Bears last season.

Seattle grabs the first-team All-Pro to fortify the secondary.

New Orleans adds the powerful Mailata to solidify the left tackle spot.

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.

Mack’s career-high 17 sacks in 2023 put him back near the top of the edge-rusher rankings, and I suspect he’ll have another season or two with that sort of production.

Putting Lawrence in the middle of any defensive front makes it better. The Vikings immediately improve their run defense with this selection.

Williams’ ability to create interior pressure will push quarterbacks into the arms of the Falcons’ edge rushers.

The run on defensive tackles places Brown on the Titans’ front, giving them a powerful presence offenses must account for on 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.

Moore confirmed he’s a top NFL receiver after being traded from Carolina to Chicago, and I suspect he’ll be a similar 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 pairing of Patrick Mahomes (Carolina’s first-round pick) and Waddle is something defenses would have to game plan against every week.