Some quick-hit observations from Round 3.

The Redskins entered the 2011 NFL Draft with two picks in the first four rounds. After four trades — three on Day 2 of the draft — in which they accumulated six picks, Washington could end up with four starters from the first four rounds.

While investigating every quarterback available in the draft, the Patriots did their homework on Ryan Mallett.

The Buccaneers put on a clinic in risk-versus-reward draft strategy this week. Probably more risk than reward.

As far as teams that should be pleasantly surprised, I’d say the Bears were shocked to see Oregon State DT Stephen Paea sitting there for them at No. 53. Some analysts believed Chicago would draft Paea in the first round.

Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick is headed to San Francisco. Explaining how it happened shows the wheelin’-and-dealin’ side of the NFL draft.

It’s no secret that the Colts’ offensive line has been breaking down and they need to start protecting Peyton Manning, who isn’t getting any younger. So it’s no surprise that they filled two of their pressing needs with offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft.

The Cowboys found value and filled a need with their selection of LB Bruce Carter at No. 40 overall in the second round.

As the second round unfolds and teams make their second picks of the draft, overall strategies become more transparent.

The Patriots are always in search of draft value, which usually comes in the form of extra draft picks. So when the Patriots don’t trade a pick — as was the case with the first selection of the second round Friday — it becomes newsworthy.

As we enter Day 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft, here are some topics we’re mulling as teams set their draft boards for Rounds two and 3. Teams change their boards after the first round, adjusting to what happened and re-assessing the players who are left.

The run on quarterbacks during the early portions of the 2011 NFL Draft — four went in the first 12 picks, including surprise selections of Jake Locker (eighth) and Christian Ponder (12th) — had another subtle result.

By virtue of taking Cam Newton with the first overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Panthers have put their stock in the Auburn QB developing into a franchise player. So Newton was the pick, but now the question is, was he the right pick?

On the clock with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft, the Patriots saw the chance to take their left tackle of the future. They didn’t pass on it.

Von Miller, billed as of the cleanest prospects in the draft and the best pass rusher available, fills an immediate on the outside as the Broncos transition to a 4-3 defensive scheme.