6 Teams That Need to Trade Up in the 2012 NFL Draft

Mike Shanahan

The NFL Draft is the cornerstone to any quality franchise's growth. Rookies are making bigger impacts in the game now more than ever. Getting the player you want and need requires desire. Trades are very common on draft day, and always occur. For these teams to fill their needs, they must move up to get the player they want. 

Washington Redskins

Heisman winner Robert Griffin III

Mike Shanahan needs a franchise quarterback to not only be successful, but to save his job. A mobile and accurate quarterback fits well in his system. The Redskins pick sixth overall, and Griffin III will most likely be gone by then. They need to trade up to the top three to get their man. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Matt Kalil

The Jacksonville Jaguars are "all in" with Blaine Gabbert, and have a franchise running back in Maurice Jones-Drew. What better way to enhance their talents than to draft a bookend left tackle? Tony Boselli, out of USC, was the first player ever drafted by the Jaguars. It's time the franchise come full circle, and take a strong look at USC left tackle Matt Kalil. 

Cleveland Browns

Colt McCoy

Team President Mike Holmgren has an important decision to make. Will he continue to build around quarterback Colt McCoy, or move on into a different direction? The Browns have two first round picks, and could package them in a deal to move up and select Robert Griffin III or Justin Blackmon. Whether McCoy is the future or not, it is certain that they need an impact player on offense. 

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler

The Bears made the right move when they traded for Jay Cutler. What they have failed to do is give him proper weapons. Not having an elite wide receiver or tight end when you are in the same division as the Packers and Lions is a problem. Justin Blackmon will go early, but Michael Floyd from Notre Dame and Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina are not bad drop offs. However, both could be gone by the time the Bears draft at 19. Look for new GM Phil Emery to make a statement and move up to grab one of them.  

San Francisco 49ers

Alex Smith

The first season was a success for head coach Jim Harbaugh and his 49ers. Alex Smith has finally shown the potential everybody thought he had when he was picked first overall. Vernon Davis is a stud, but Michael Crabtree has struggled. The playoffs proved they need another weapon. If the 49ers want to take the next step, they need to give Smith a quality wide receiver. Look for them to move up for either Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery.

New England Patriots

Bill Belichick

The New England Patriots have made it back to the Super Bowl on the strength of their high octane offense. Regardless of whether they win or lose, they must look to upgrade their defense. The Patriots are notorious for trading down, but this time they need to trade up. Look for the Patriots to target an impact pass rusher, or a player in the secondary.