2012 NFL Draft Order: Teams Picking in Top 20 That Must Trade Up

Eric BowmanJun 4, 2018

The 2012 NFL draft is right around the corner, and there are several big playmakers that are worth trading up for. Now that the draft order (shown below) is pretty clear, teams can begin to plot their moves.

Trades during the draft are nothing unusual, and since the 2012 class is littered with elite prospects, fans can expect some early trades.

Last year, everyone was shocked by the Atlanta Falcons trading up to get Julio Jones, so many will be on the lookout for another big trade.

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With guys like Andrew Luck, Justin Blackmon, Robert Griffin III, Morris Claiborne and Matt Kalil all likely to go in the top five, plenty of teams will be hitting the phones trying to move up for these franchise players.

Here are three teams that must do whatever it takes to jump up.

Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan is a phenomenal coach, but with a legitimate quarterback he isn't going to be in Washington much longer. With the sixth pick in the draft, there's a chance that Washington could land RGIII, but the Redskins shouldn't take that risk.

Jumping up to get Andrew Luck would serve them better, as it would make the Redskins a much better team. Washington could then contend for the NFC East title, as Luck would have a good offense to work with.

There's no guarantee the Indianapolis Colts are going to draft luck, which means the Redskins need to pick their phone and start making offers.

Shanahan would help Luck continue to grow, and Washington would no longer be laughed at by the NFL.

Seattle Seahawks

Another team in desperate need of a quarterback, the Seahawks aren't going to find a good one if they stay put.

Tied for the 11th pick (coin toss at scouting combine will determine order), the Seahawks have to trade up in hopes to land Luck or RGIII.

Either one of those quarterbacks would give Seattle a better shot at winning the NFC West. The San Francisco 49ers ran away with it this season, but if they had come competition in the division it would be so easy.

The only way that will happen is for the Seahawks to upgrade at QB. The receivers have stepped up in big moments, and Marshawn Lynch has secured the ground and pound.

Adding either Luck or RGIII will help keep Pete Carroll's job safe.

Chicago Bears

With the 19th pick, the Bears are not going to get the possible player to fill their needs. Adding a playmaking wide receiver for Jay Cutler is a must if Chicago wishes to compete with the Green Bay Packers.

Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Alshon Jeffery are the top wideouts in the draft, but a number of teams ahead of Chicago need better wide receivers.

If the Bears fail to get a wideout, landing an elite offensive tackle would be excellent as well. Unfortunately, all three of the top tackles are likely to be gone by the 15th pick, which means Chicago has to trade up.

The Bears could decide to trade back, gain more picks and get a receiver or offensive line at the tail end of the draft, but it would benefit them more to get an elite prospect right now as opposed to a project.

Chicago needs to win now, and the only way to do that is to protect Cutler better, or give him a receiver that will be an immediate impact, so trading up is the best way to go.

2012 NFL Draft Order

Disclaimer: Selections 21-32 expected to change as playoffs unfold.

1. Colts

2. Rams

3. Vikings

4. Browns

5. Buccaneers

6. Redskins

7. Jaguars

8t. Panthers

8t. Dolphins

10. Bills