2012 NFL Draft Order: New England Patriots Should Trade Up in First Round

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has mastered the art of trading picks to accumulate more in the later rounds as a way to add depth to his roster.

But after watching his defense struggle mightily all season, don't be surprised if he pulls a switcheroo at the 2012 NFL draft.

The Patriots finished 31st in yards allowed at more than 400 per game. While depth is a great asset to have as New England illustrated during its dynasty years, there is also a need for high-impact players that have the ability to change the course of a game in an instant.

That's something the Patriots are lacking right now.

Andre Carter and Mark Anderson were a formidable pass-rushing duo, while Kyle Arrington made some key interceptions, but none of those guys are elite defenders. Jerod Mayo is the closest thing the Patriots have, and he didn't make many game-changing plays during the regular season.

New England has two first-round picks that will end up being late in the first round by the time the playoffs shake out. Other than their own, the Patriots own the New Orleans Saints' first selection.

Since the early portion of Round 1 will be highlighted by offensive stars, the top defensive prospects will probably slide a little bit. If Belichick would package his two later picks he could likely move into the top half of the round to target one of those elite talents.

Names like Quinton Coples, Nick Perry, Devon Still or Melvin Ingram could be of interest to the Patriots. Since they need help at all three levels, they can target the best available player instead of trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

New England's offense continues to run like a well-oiled machine, so Belichick will likely spend the vast majority of his picks on the other side of the ball in an attempt to fix that unit. It doesn't have to be dominant by any means, but it at least needs to make a couple key stops per game.

It's a far cry from when the Patriots' rise first began, thanks to a star-studded defense and a young Tom Brady just putting up enough points to win rings.

Trading up to get one of those aforementioned names would be a big step in the right direction instead of continuing to infuse fringe prospects into the equation. The Patriots have the chips to make it happen, so it will just come down to Belichick's willingness to change his approach.

He might be stubborn, but he's smart enough to understand an overhaul is necessary sooner rather than later if the Patriots want to start another dynasty.

2012 NFL Draft Order 

Note: Selections 21-32 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                                        

11t. Chiefs                                  

11t. Seahawks                             

13. Cardinals                              

14. Cowboys                                

15. Eagles                                  

16. Jets                                          

17. Bengals (from Raiders)        

18. Chargers                               

19. Bears                                     

20. Titans                                     

21. Broncos 

22. Bengals 

23. Giants 

24. Texans 

25. Lions 

26. Browns (from Falcons) 

27. Steelers 

28. Ravens 

29. Patriots (from Saints)

30. 49ers  

31. Patriots 

32. Packers