With the 2024 NFL draft just weeks away, the Chicago Bears are expected to kick things off by selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams. However, after the top pick, much of the first round remains a mystery, with the potential for trades adding further uncertainty.

The Washington Commanders hold the second overall pick, and it is widely believed that they will choose a quarterback. The question is, which quarterback will they select? LSU's Jayden Daniels, North Carolina's Drake Maye, and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy are the top options for Washington.

Mock drafts from various sources provide conflicting projections. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department and Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald and Nate Tice have both linked Daniels to Washington at No. 2. Daniels is praised for his athleticism and deep ball accuracy, qualities that could give any offense an instant boost.

On the other hand, NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah, in his third mock draft of 2024, has Maye going to Washington. It is worth noting that Maye is actually the highest-ranked quarterback on Bleacher Report's draft board, even ahead of Caleb Williams. Maye's incredible upside makes him a logical choice if Washington shares a similar assessment.

Michigan's J.J. McCarthy is also generating buzz and was projected to Washington in NFL Media's Eric Edholm's mock draft. Washington's decision at No. 2 could have significant ramifications for the following selections, especially if other teams are eager to trade up for a quarterback.

In another key decision scenario, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers has emerged as a highly sought-after prospect. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department ranks him as the second overall prospect, just behind Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. However, teams in need of offensive help face a tough choice in determining when to select Bowers, considering the depth of talent at the receiver position in this draft.

Projections have varied for Bowers, with the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and even a potential trade-up by the Indianapolis Colts being mentioned as potential landing spots. ESPN's Matt Miller considers Bowers as one of the top players in terms of NFL readiness, but his draft position might be impacted by the strong quarterback and receiver classes.

Meanwhile, the possible selection of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round remains uncertain. Penix possesses impressive athleticism and arm talent, but his extensive injury history may dissuade teams from picking him early. While some mock drafts have him falling as low as the second round, others see him being chosen as high as No. 13 by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ultimately, the draft holds several intriguing storylines, from Washington's quarterback dilemma to the uncertainties surrounding players like Brock Bowers and Michael Penix Jr. Teams will face difficult decisions as they navigate their way through the first round, with the potential for surprise trades and unforeseen picks.

As the draft approaches, football fans eagerly await the unveiling of the 2024 NFL draft class, predicting how each team's choices will shape the future of the league.