Jaguars Take QB Bortles With 3rd Pick In NFL Draft

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars made the first surprise selection in the NFL draft by choosing UCF quarterback Blake Bortles with the third overall pick.

The Jaguars took Bortles over fellow signal callers Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater, as well as dynamic receiver Sammy Watkins and versatile defensive end Khalil Mack.

Jacksonville has long needed a quarterback since taking Byron Leftwich in 2003 and Blaine Gabbert in 2011. But general manager Dave Caldwell made it seem like drafting a quarterback early was a long shot, saying Friday that "I think the majority of this (quarterback) class has a ways to go."

SLIDESHOW: Inside The 2014 NFL Draft

The 6-foot-5 Bortles completed 68 percent of his passes last season for 3,581 yards, with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions.