NFL executives ‘reveal prediction for who the Commanders will select with the No 2 overall pick at the 2024 NFL draft’… with Caleb Williams expected to be taken by the Bears

There is widespread belief among NFL execs that the Washington Commanders will select the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft next month, as the Chicago Bears are expected to acquire Caleb Williams.

Speaking on the NFL Network on Monday, just one month before draft day on April 25, insider Tom Pelissero revealed that the Commanders will most likely draft a national champion ahead of the USC quarterback.

“It’s really interesting because everyone is trying to figure out, especially at the top of the chart, what the other teams are doing,” he said initially from Orlando, where the annual NFL league meeting is held from March 24 to March. 27.

“When I’ve had conversations here with executives from other teams who know (Commanders GM) Adam Peters well, know the situation well, the most popular response to what (Washington) is doing at No. 2 is JJ McCarthy,” Pelissero revealed. .

“So a lot of drama…” he added before other analysts on the set, including Ian Rapoport, compared the situation to the Patriots drafting Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick in 2021.

At the time, many analysts projected him to be selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers, but Jones entered the league with a lower draft pick than after the 49ers drafted North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance above him.

Meanwhile, Williams had a lot of attention on him at USC’s pro day last week in Los Angeles, including that of new Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Allen’s presence is notable as Williams is the presumptive favorite to be selected by the Bears with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft next month.

The two shared a quick hug on the sidelines on Wednesday. If the Bears select Williams with the top overall pick on April 25 in Detroit, the two will spend even more time together.

JJ McCarthy is expected to be drafted lower than Williams in next month’s draft in Detroit

“A great athlete,” Allen said of Williams earlier this week. “Obviously he can make great plays with his feet, with his arm. It seems he knows the game very well. Very good.’

Williams was quick to return the compliment on Wednesday.

“I’ve known Keenan for a while now and hung around,” Williams told NBC Sports Chicago. “He was with the Chargers. Now that he’s with the Bears, he’s here for a fourth-round pick, which is crazy. He’s a beast, a good guy, and he can give you a lot of knowledge.’

Bears general manager Ryan Poles was spotted talking to Caleb’s father, Carl, at pro day. Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, head coach Matt Eberflus, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph were also in attendance and had dinner with Williams on Tuesday night.