However, if you think Stanford sensation Andrew Luck is a shoo-in for the honor, you may be mistaken.

In his weekly ’10 Spot’ column for ESPN.com, NFL insider Adam Schefter noted that “a handful of NFL scouts” prefer Baylor’s Robert Griffin III to Luck.

Luck, who’s being hailed by some as the best QB prospect since John Elway, has long been considered the odds-on favorite to succeed Peyton Manning in Indy.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm, team owner Jim Irsay all but confirmed that a quarterback will indeed be their pick, though choosing between the two won’t be an easy task.

“The way it’s shaping up — and you never know for sure — but with Griffin and with Luck, and the way it’s shaping up in the top part of that draft, which very likely could go one and two like it was with Peyton and Ryan Leaf, where we had to make a tough decision.

“It’s most likely one of those quarterbacks that you really feel (is) the best player in the draft, and where we’re at moving forward, you can’t pass that up.”

While Luck is an immensely talented player, Griffin, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, offers a Michael Vick-like skill set, capable of burning a defense both through the air and on the ground.

Even if the Colts don’t bite, it would be an absolute stunner if Griffin was still on the board after the first five picks. He probably won’t end up in St. Louis or Minnesota, who each have franchise-level signal-callers already on their respective rosters.

The Browns are the real team to watch, as they have a definite need at the position and the necessary ammo to move up from their No. 4 spot to acquire RGIII.

In a postgame interview following OSU’s 41-38 overtime win over Andrew Luck and Stanford, Blackmon officially declared for the 2012 NFL draft, foregoing his last eligible year.

“I think I’m gonna go ahead and enter the draft and see what happens after that,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon’s 186 yards and three touchdowns helped lift the Cowboys over the No. 4 Cardinal in a wild contest. He finishes his dazzling junior campaign with 121 receptions, 1523 yards and 18 touchdowns.

A two-time winner of the Fred Biletnikoff Award, Blackmon cemented his position as the top receiver in the upcoming draft class.

With a stock that’ll be booming heading into next month’s Combine, Blackmon is a surefire top-ten draft selection, and may even go earlier — ala Julio Jones in 2011.

With their 19-13 loss to the Jaguars Sunday, the Colts have clinched the first overall pick in the 2012 draft.

Indy finished with a 2-14 record on the year, edging out the two-win Rams to lock up the draft’s top selection.

After a wildly dismal year, the Colts face a tumultuous offseason filled with several tough decisions.

Longtime stalwarts, such as Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark, have clouded futures, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if none of them return to Indianapolis.

As for the draft itself, the Colts are widely expected to take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who is said to be the best QB prospect since the man he may end up succeeding.

With the 43rd overall pick, the Minnesota Vikings selected ND TE Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph is 6’6″ receiving threat that also doubles as an inline blocker. He missed 7 games in 2010 with a bum hamstring, but Brian Billick compares him to the Pats’ Rob Gronkowski. Rudolph should start in a two tight-end set opposite Visanthe Shiancoe.

With the 44th overall pick, the Detroit selected Boise State WR Titus Young. The Lions are giving Matthew Stafford someone else to get the ball to. Young, compared to DeSean Jackson by Mike Mayock, is an explosive talent, but has some off-the-field baggage. If he can straighten himself out in that department, Young should be an excellent complement to Megatron.

With the 45th overall pick, the Denver Broncos selected UCLA S Rahim Moore. Denver traded up in Miami’s spot to nab Moore. A fast player with ballhawking ability, Moore is a good bet to take over for Brian Dawkins when he calls it quits.

With the 46th overall pick, the Denver Broncos selected Miami OT Orlando Franklin. He’s a mauler with a 35″ arm span, and can play either tackle or guard.

With the 47th overall pick, the St. Louis Rams selected Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks. A pass receiving tight end only, Kendricks can go downfield to make a play and can even be shifted into the slot. He’s a good athlete, but his lack of blocking ability makes him sort of a one-trick pony.

With the 48th overall pick, the Oakland Raiders selected Penn St. center Stefen Wisniewski. He played guard at Penn State, but Oakland will likely shift him to center, his natural position. A tough player, Wisniewski has tremendous upper body strength and may possibly start for the Raiders in 2011.

With the 49th overall pick, the Indianapolis Colts selected Villanova OL Ben Ijalana. Indy traded up with Washington to secure Ijalana, a swing-player who can play at tackle or guard. After taking Anthony Castonzo yesterday, it’s clear the Colts value protection for Peyton Manning.

With the 50th overall pick, the San Diego Chargers selected Clemson CB Marcus Gilchrist.

With the 51st overall pick, the Tampa Bay Bucs selected Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers. Finally. After some thought Bowers could go in the top five, he ended up slipping late in the second round due to a knee condition. Tampa is taking a big risk here, as some NFL insiders believe Bowers needs additional surgery. But if Bowers checks out, this could be the steal of the draft.

With the 52nd overall pick, the New York Giants selected UNC DT Marvin Austin. Another Tarheel off the board. This was a nice selection for the G-Men, Austin was once thought to go in the first round but missed all of last season. He’s 310 lbs and ran a 4.84 forty. He’s athletic and big; a good combination for the Giants defensive line.

With the 53rd overall pick, the Chicago Bears selected Oregon State DT Stephen Paea. This was a perfect pick for Chicago as they landed a massive defensive tackle for their 3-technique scheme. Although he never had a dominant college career, he should fit in well at nose for Rod Marinelli.

With the 54th overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Temple DB Jaiquawn Jarrett. He had 2 picks and 74 tackles last season for the Owls, and is also a four-year starter. He’s an excellent tackler and has good range.

With the 55th overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs selected FSU center Rodney Hudson.

With the 56th overall pick, the New England Patriots selected Cal RB Shane Vereen. He was 4th in the PAC 10 in rushing yards and TD’s last year, while earning conference honors.

With the 57th overall pick, the Detroit Lions selected Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure.

With the 58th overall pick, the Baltimore Ravens selected Maryland WR Torrey Smith.

With the 59th overall pick, the Cleveland Browns selected UNC WR Greg Little.

With the 60th overall pick, the Houston Texans selected Miami DB Brandon Harris.

With the 61st overall pick, the San Diego Chargers selected Michigan LB Jonas Mouton.

With the 62nd overall pick, the Miami Dolphins selected Kansas State RB Daniel Thomas.

With the 63rd overall pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Florida OT Marcus Gilbert.

With the 64th overall pick, the Green Bay Packers selected Kentucky WR Randall Cobb.

Note: This post will be updated live after each pick is in.

With the 33rd overall pick, the New England Patriots selected Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling. Dowling was coveted by several teams, and was once considered a first-round pick. He ran a 4.4 forty at the Combine, and displayed good ball skills in college. Under the tutelage of coach Bill Belichick, who’s a master at developing defensive backs, Dowling has a chance to enjoy a ton of success in New England.

With the 34th overall pick, the Buffalo Bills selected Texas CB Aaron Williams. Williams played in 37 games over his collegiate career, recording four interceptions. He’s likely the heir apparent to Terrence McGee in Buffalo.

With the 35th overall pick, the Cincinnati Bengals selected TCU QB Andy Dalton. This was the first — and early — coup of the second round thus far. The Bengals chose to take a playmaking WR with their first pick, but lucked out and had Dalton fall to them in the second. If Carson Palmer is as gone from Cincy as most suggest, Dalton is the favorite to take over.

With the 36th overall pick, the San Francisco 49ers selected Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick. This was another solid choice, and much better than the Niners’ first round selection. Kaepernick is a bit of a project, but the 49ers don’t have better alternatives in Alex and Troy Smith. He might not start this year, but Kaepernick should eventually get the nod. They traded up from No. 45 to secure Kaepernick; that says something on its own.

With the 37th overall pick, the Cleveland Browns selected Pittsburgh DE Jabaal Sheard. The Browns are focusing on defense, it seems. Sheard was the 2010 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and totaled 20 sacks in his career. He’s hard to contain off the edge, and should provide much more pass rushing potential than what the Browns currently have on the roster.

With the 38th overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals selected Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams. With Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower seemingly always dealing with injuries, the explosive Williams adds a new dynamic to coach Ken Whisenhunt’s backfield.

With the 39th overall pick, the Tennessee Titans selected UCLA LB Akeem Ayers. Ayers could be the draft’s biggest boom or bust player. His pass rushing ability off of the edge is his biggest positive, but some have knocked his inconsistency. He had a first round grade in most mocks, so this was a case of the Titans take the highest rated prospect left on their board. He adds speed and youth to an otherwise lacking LB corps.

With the 40th overall pick, the Dallas Cowboys selected North Carolina LB Bruce Carter. This is a perfect fit for Dallas’ 3-4 scheme under new DC Rob Ryan. He was going to be a definite first-round pick if not for tearing his ACL last year. This was a great value pick for the ‘Boys.

With the 41st overall pick, the Washington Redskins selected Clemson DE Jarvis Jenkins. This is the second DE the Redskins have taken, and now have two bookends to use along the defensive line.

With the 42nd overall pick, the Houston Texans selected Arizona OLB Brooks Reed. Great pick for Houston. Reed, who looks like a Clay Matthews clone, is an incredible edge rusher and has explosive ability. Good move to pair him with DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cards filled a need at cornerback by selecting the best the draft had to offer, LSU’s Patrick Peterson. It’s debatable whether or not Arizona should’ve taken a quarterback with the No. 5 overall pick, but they could still do so tonight as they will pick sixth in the second round.

Our grade: B+

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta pulled off a shocker by putting together a mega-deal to move up 21 slots to select Alabama WR Julio Jones with the sixth overall pick. Although they’ve given QB Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense yet another weapon, the compensation given up — 2011 second and fourth-round picks, and a first and fourth-round pick in 2012 — was a bit much.

Our grade: C+

Baltimore Ravens

It was a bit of a bizarre sight when the Ravens let the clock expire last night, foregoing their pick and putting the Chiefs on the clock. GM Ozzie Newsome played it perfectly, though, knowing KC wouldn’t take who they had their sights set on. In the end, Baltimore nabbed Colorado CB Jimmy Smith at No. 28. Despite off-field concerns, Smith is a top-tier talent and adds some much-needed youth to the Ravens secondary.

Our grade: A

Buffalo Bills

Sitting at No. 3, the Bills were likely set on three players: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus, Texas A&M LB Von Miller, and Auburn QB Cam Newton, depending on how the two picks before them played out. Newton went first to Carolina, followed by Miller to Denver, leaving Dareus to the Bills. They ended up selecting him, and made a smart choice in doing so. Dareus is a massive tackle that excels at plugging the run — something Buffalo couldn’t do at all in 2010.

Our grade: B-

Carolina Panthers

The least surprising pick of the draft was when the Panthers made Auburn QB Cam Newton the first overall pick. The jury is still out on whether or not he can be a franchise QB at the pro level, but Newton will help sell seats and re-ignite a fanbase that is yearning to once again become relevant.

Our grade: B

Chicago Bears

Bears QB Jay Cutler took too many unnecessary hits last season, including in the NFC Championship game when the Green Bay Packers made his life miserable. Chicago decided to do something about it and selected Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi at No. 29 overall. A sound player, and a great value pick, Carimi will likely step in from day one to help keep Cutler off of the turf.

Our grade: A

Cincinnati Bengals

Many thought the Bengals would go QB at No. 4, especially with Carson Palmer sounding like he’s on his way out. They didn’t, and instead chose Georgia WR A.J. Green. Green has incredible talent, and a sky-high ceiling of potential, but it was a questionable move to pass on QB Blaine Gabbert, especially when this year’s receivers class is pretty deep.

Our grade: C

Cleveland Browns

The Browns, under new coach Pat Shurmur, made a great move by absolutely fleecing the Falcons, who wanted WR Julio Jones. They acquired a boatload of picks, and moved down in the draft, giving them a chance to reassess their situation. At No. 21 overall, the Browns chose Baylor NT Phil Taylor. Taylor should step right into the middle of the Browns’ 4-3 as a potential replacement for Shaun Rodgers.

Our grade: A-

Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has a penchant for making splashy moves, both in free agency and in the draft. However, last night, he made a very logical choice by taking USC OT Tyron Smith. Tackle was a position of need for the ‘Boys, especially if they don’t re-sign Doug Free. Smith a swing-tackle, at worst, for Big D in 2011.

Our grade: B+

Denver Broncos

It was the first draft for new VP of player personnel John Elway and head coach John Fox. Sitting at No. 2, they were going to have their choice of a top prospect, and went with Texas A&M Von Miller. Miller was regarded as the best ‘backer in this year’s class, and should form a scary duo with Elvis Dumervil in Denver’s linebacker corps.

Our grade: B

Detroit Lions

Good luck running on the Lions in 2011. Detroit chose Auburn DT Nick Fairley at No. 13. Fairley was once considered the top player in the draft, so the Lions had one of the best value picks of the draft thus far. Coach Jim Schwartz is quickly transforming this Lions club into a contender.

Our grade: A

Green Bay Packers

The World Champion Packers chose Mississippi State OT Derek Sherrod with the last pick of the first round. For all intents and purposes, this was another nice pick for GM Ted Thompson as their offensive line needed an infusion of talent.

Our grade: B+

Houston Texans

Houston’s selection of Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt at No. 11 was a bit of a head-scratcher, even if he’ll be a solid bookend to Mario Williams. Watt was considered to be one of the best D-line prospects, but the Texans desperately need help in the secondary. There were some talented names still on the board at #11, so they could’ve done much, much better.

Our grade: D

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are no dummies. They know the key to keeping Peyton Manning around in Indy is to keep him protected in the pocket. That’s why they went with BC OT Anthony Castonzo with the No. 22 pick. Castonzo should slide right into an offensive line that has some mismatched parts. The Colts had other needs, but as Manning goes, they go.

Our grade: B-

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags pulled off a trade to secure Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert, and they conceded that they think very highly of him by doing so. Gabbert intrigued many teams, and could’ve went in the top five, so Jacksonville got some nice value here. He should compete with David Garrard in training camp for the starting position.

Our grade: B

Kansas City Chiefs

After swapping places with the Ravens in the mini snafu, the Chiefs pounced on Pitt WR Jonathan Baldwin at No. 26. Similar to the Falcons, KC might’ve reached a bit with this pick. They’re a run-first team with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, and still have a very up-and-down QB in Matt Cassel.

Our grade: C-

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins were another team thought to be interested in a QB at No. 15. Instead, they chose Florida OG Mike Pouncey. Pouncey, Maurkice’s brother, will help a Miami line that struggled last year, but one has to wonder if they can overcome handing over the reigns to Chad Henne for another season.

Our grade: C

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikes choice at No. 12 was probably the most shocking one yet. Passing up on a bevy of other talent, they went with FSU QB Christian Ponder. While they needed a QB (Joe Webb is too raw, and Tarvaris Jackson likely won’t return), and Ponder is considered to be NFL-ready after playing in a pro-style offense, his arm strength has been compared to Chad Pennington. That is not a good thing, considering the Vikings have two playmakers at receiver in Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin.

Our grade: D

New England Patriots

Leave it to coach Bill Belichick to surprise us yet again. The Pats held two first-round picks, and drafted Colorado OT Nate Solder with their first. They ended up trading their second first-round pick away to the Saints and stockpiled more draft choices for next year. Solder is a bit of a project pick, but has a freakish 6’8″ frame and long arms. Belichick is a master at developing talent, but his decision to trade the other pick away, when the team has so many needs on defense, knocked this grade down a bit.

Our grade: C-

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans might’ve been the overall winners from round one. After nabbing Cal DE Cam Jordan at No. 24, they traded back into the first-round and chose Alabama RB Mark Ingram with New England’s No. 28 overall selection. Both players are excellent talents, and should fill in nicely on Sean Payton’s squad.

Our grade: A+

New York Giants

Big Blue decided to address their secondary with their first-round pick and drafted Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara. A pure cover corner, Amukamara will join a Giants secondary that already boasts talented players in Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, and Terrell Thomas. No one can fault New York for going for the best player available, as dictated by their draft board.

Our grade: B

New York Jets

Unlike previous years, the Jets and GM Mike Tannenbaum decided against trading up to make a splash, and stayed put at No. 30. They needed help in the front seven and, as such, welcomed Temple DT Muhammad Wilkerson to Gang Green. Wilkerson can play all around the line, and Rex Ryan has to envision him as the next Haloti Ngata-type player. The only knock is he faced weaker competition than most in the MAC conference. Still, it was a position of need for the Jets, and good value near the end of the first-round.

Our grade: B

Philadelphia Eagles

There wasn’t much excitement with the Eagles’ first-round pick. They took Baylor OG Danny Watkins, a former firefighter. He only started two seasons at Baylor, though he has the potential to become a solid player in the NFL as he possesses good athleticism and blocking abilities. This pick was par for the course for Philly.

Our grade: C

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh has long been known as one of the best drafting teams in the NFL. That continued last night as they took DE Cameron Heyward with the 31st overall pick. Heyward is a perfect fit for the rugged Steelers 3-4 front. Nose tackle Casey Hampton and end Aaron Smith are both long in the tooth, so Heyward should step right in and contribute immediately. This was an excellent value pick.

Our grade: A

San Diego Chargers

Although the Chargers finished last season near the top in both offense and defense, they held the 18th overall pick of the draft. The Bolts chose Illinois DT Corey Liuget with the pick. Liuget is not much of a pass rushing threat, or exciting playmaker, but he’s a lunchpail guy who will come to play every Sunday. GM A.J. Smith has a good track record in the draft, so we’ll trust him here.

Our grade: B-

San Francisco 49ers

This was the first draft in the Jim Harbaugh era, and with the No. 7 overall pick they took Missouri DE Aldon Smith. Smith will likely play linebacker for the Niners in their new 3-4 scheme, but converting a college DE to OLB is always a challenge. If they succeed, this will be a great pick. If not, it’s the first major blight on Harbaugh’s NFL record.

Our grade: C

Seattle Seahawks

Some thought coach Pete Carroll would pursue the local option — Washington QB Jake Locker — but the Seahawks instead went with Alabama OT James Carpenter at No. 25. This was a pick that was criticized both by the local media, and NFL Network on-air analysts, but Carpenter should help keep Matt Hasselbeck, or whoever is quarterbacking Seattle, upright. Though, Carimi or Sherrod would’ve been much better picks in this spot.

Our grade: C-

St. Louis Rams

The Rams secured one of the best pass rushing talents by selecting DE Robert Quinn. He’s had some health concerns in the past, but should end up performing well in St. Louis’ up-and-coming defense.

Our grade: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs, continuing their streak of solid draft choices, selected DE Adrian Clayborn with their first-round selection. He had a disappointing senior season at Iowa, but has enough talent to become a sack-artist in Tampa Bay’s 4-3 defense.

Our grade: B

Tennessee Titans

In Tennessee’s first draft post Jeff Fisher, they decided on Washington QB Jake Locker with their first-round draft selection. Locker was a wild-card in this year’s draft; he has a ton of talent, but is inconsistent at times and displays below-average mechanics. If Vince Young is gone, as reports suggest, Locker could open up the season as the starter. He’ll compete with Rusty Smith and Kerry Collins in camp.

Our grade: C

Washington Redskins

Washington displayed some rare patience last night, passing on Gabbert or another quarterback, instead opting for DE Ryan Kerrigan. This pick wasn’t necessarily good or bad. Kerrigan is a productive player, but they had a litany of other needs than defensive end.

Our grade: C-

• With the 21st overall pick, the Cleveland Browns selected Baylor NT Phil Taylor. This was originally the Chiefs’ spot, but the Browns used their acquired ammo from earlier in the round to move up. KC will get their 27th overall pick, and an undisclosed third round selection. Taylor is a massive nose guard who excels at plugging the run. He’s comparable to Shaun Rogers, who recently departed from the Browns. Taylor isn’t as explosive as a pass rusher, but will prove to be nearly impossible to block on running downs.

• With the 22nd overall pick, the Indianapolis Colts selected Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo. Giving Peyton Manning some much-needed protection, Castonzo is a sound blocker and usually injury-free — he started 54 games for the Eagles. The Colts’ two tackles, Ryan Diem and Charlie Johnson, had below average seasons last year, meaning Castonzo has a better chance than most to instantly become a starter.

• With the 23rd overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Baylor OG Danny Watkins. N0t much was known about Watkins, only a two-year starter at Baylor and a former firefighter. The Eagles were reportedly considering trading down, but pulled the trigger on the guard. Michael Vick took too many unnecessary hits last year, and much of that was attributed to their sometimes-leaky line. Watkins should help keep Vick’s jersey relatively clean.

• With the 24th overall pick, the New Orleans Saints selected California DE Cameron Jordan. Really nice pick for Gregg Williams’ defense in Nawlins. Jordan totaled 16.5 sacks in his career at Cal, but is more suited as a stout run-defender at the point of attack. Along with Shaun Rogers, who was acquired this offseason, the Saints have devoted their resources to d-line thus far.

• With the 25th overall pick, the Seattle Seahawks selected Alabama OT James Carpenter. Another pick that the NFL Network analysts weren’t too keen on. He has the size — 6-5, 313 lbs — to succeed in the NFL and Pete Carroll made it a point to address his offensive line. Carpenter was also All-SEC in 2010.

• With the 26th overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Pitt WR Jonathan Baldwin. In a bizarre series of events, the Baltimore Ravens — who originally held this pick — passed and the Chiefs jumped ahead to nab the receiver. A productive player, and incredible athlete, Baldwin, as Mel Kiper put it, will “go up and get the rebound”. Matt Cassell needed someone to throw the ball to (aside from Dwayne Bowe), and Baldwin should also help the running game with Jamaal Charles.

• With the 27th overall pick, the Baltimore Ravens selected Colorado CB Jimmy Smith. So, the reason for Baltimore’s flub was because they were in trade talks with the Chicago Bears, who own the 29th pick. They ended up snagging Smith, the 6’2″ corner who many think will become the next lockdown player. It’s good for Baltimore to add some youth to an aging defense.

• With the 28th overall pick, the New Orleans Saints selected Alabama RB Mark Ingram. The Saints traded up with the Pats, who once again continue to stockpile picks. The former Heisman Trophy winner and NCAA 12 cover boy will join a crowded backfield in New Orleans. Another nice pick for Sean Payton and the Saints.

• With the 29th overall pick, the Chicago Bears selected Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi. This was the most logical pick for the Bears, who struggled majorly to protect Jay Cutler last season. One of the nation’s top lineman, Carimi earned several honors during his time with the Badgers, and made 49 starts. He’s expected to start right away.

• With the 30th overall pick, the New York Jets selected Temple DT Muhammad Wilkerson. This was a position of need for the Jets, who cut loose veteran DL Kris Jenkins earlier this offseason. It was a little surprising Gang Green passed on DeQwan Bowers, Akeem Ayers, and Cameron Heyward, but New York has supposedly thought highly of Wilkerson, a stout run-stopper and pass rusher, since the combine.

• With the 31st overall pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward. Heyward couldn’t have landed in a better place as he gets to learn from one of the best — Dick LeBeau. With the rest of Pittsburgh’s defensive line aging, the 22-year-old, 290 lb Heyward adds some much-needed youth and size to the Steelers’ front.

• With the 32nd overall pick, the Green Bay Packers selected Mississippi State OT Derek Sherrod. The Super Bowl champs chose to shore up their offensive line with the first-round’s final pick. Sherrod started 35 games for the Bulldogs, and is a viable NFL-level swing tackle. He is likely depth for now in Green Bay before he gets his chance to start.

A lot of good talent left on the board. Where will they land? Find out Friday at 6 ET as the 2011 NFL Draft commences.

• With the 11th overall pick, the Houston Texans selected Wisconsin DE JJ Watt. Solid pick to pair with Mario Williams along the defensive line. Drawing comparisons to Jared Allen, Watt is a high-motor defender who excels when called upon. He can stop the run, rush the passer, and is almost never out of position.

• With the 12th overall pick, the Minnesota Vikings selected FSU QB Christian Ponder. This was surprising. It was made known the Vikes were interested in a QB, but with Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick still on the board, Minnesota decided to go another route with Ponder. He has a 22-12 as a starter with the ‘Noles, but his weak arm strength scared some teams away. That shouldn’t be an issue, though, in Minnesota’s domed stadium.

• With the 13th overall pick, the Detroit Lions selected Auburn DT Nick Fairley. Good luck running on the Lions going forward. Fairley, a dominant college tackle, will be paired with last year’s DROY Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch along the defensive line. That should be enough to thwart most opposing rushing attacks — especially in a division that sports Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte, and Ryan Grant.

• With the 14th overall pick, the St. Louis Rams selected UNC DE Robert Quinn. Quinn was suspended for all of the 2010 season, and battled a benign brain tumor, but finished as one of the ACC’s best players in 2009. In Steve Spagnaolo’s 4-3 defense, Quinn should plug in perfectly at end.

• With the 15th overall pick, the Miami Dolphins selected UF OG Mike Pouncey. Maurkice’s brother will take his talents to South Beach to provide protection along the Fins’ offensive line. It’s a bit surprising the Dolphins passed on a QB, but they must feel confident in Chad Henne. He’ll open running lanes inside, but what back will run through those holes is anyone’s guess.

• With the 16th overall pick, the Washington Redskins selected Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan. After Washington traded down, passing on a potential franchise quarterback, the next prospect on their radar was the Boilermakers’ stud. Kerrigan was named the Big 10 Player of the Year in 2o10, and could also play outside as a linebacker. His motor and production is unmatched; excellent value pick by Dan Snyder and the Redskins’ brass.

• With the 17th overall pick, the New England Patriots selected Colorado OL Nate Solder. With the first of the Pats’ two first round picks, Bill Belichick reinforced his offensive line with one of the best pure blocking prospects this class had to offer. This is good insurance for the Pats, who know who to develop lineman.

• With the 18th overall pick, the San Diego Chargers selected Illinois DT Corey Liuget. Liguet led his team in sacks last year with 4.5 and will provide nice depth on one of the league’s top ranked defenses.

• With the 19th overall pick, the New York Giants selected Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara. Aside from Jimmy Smith, Amukamara was regarded as a top-tier prospect, capable of stepping in on either the right or left side. Big Blue has a nice stable of corners with Terrell Thomas, Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, and now Amukamara.

• With the 20th overall pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn is the prototypical 4-3 end; at 6-3, 281 lbs, his high moor and pass rushing abilities will help a defense that had trouble racking up sacks and hurries in 2010.

The mystery was solved tonight as the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to select Gabbert with the No. 10 overall pick.

The Redskins, who were thought to be seriously interested in Gabbert, acquired the Jags’ second-round pick — No. 49 overall — in the swap.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, landed a guy who has terrific athleticism and downfield vision, but some knock his pocket presence. Gabbert recorded over 6,800 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career.

He should rival David Garrard in training camp for the starting job, and has a chance to start from day one.

Smith, the Pac 10′s top offensive lineman in 2010, should step in immediately at left tackle for the ‘Boys on Tony Romo’s blindside. That would help if Romo wants to avoid another season-ending injury.

According to reports, Smith ran a decent 40 time at the combine — 4.9 — but his long arms, which measure in at 36.5 inches, make him worthy of a top-10 pick.

It wasn’t flashy, but Jerry Jones did the right thing, and the safe thing by focusing on his offensive line.