NFL Draft 2012: Why the Cincinnati Bengals Need to Trade Up for Trent Richardson

The Cincinnati Bengals need to do whatever it takes to trade up in the 2012 NFL draft in order to land Trent Richardson, the running back out of Alabama.

The Bengals hold two first-round selections (17th and 22nd) thanks to Hue Jackson's decision to pay through the nose for Carson Palmer's stale services. They are in prime position to make a bold move in the 2012 NFL draft by trading up for Richardson.

Watching the Bengals try to run the ball against the Houston Texans in their wild card loss was about as pleasant as getting a root canal without anesthetic. Cedric Benson is getting old fast, and his best years are clearly behind him.

Watching Richardson play against LSU in the 2012 BCS Championship game I see a revelation of power and grace. I see a burgeoning star that displays rare abilities and reminds me of Emmitt Smith. 

In fact, the Bengals entire offense reminds me a bit of the 90s Cowboys team, and the only thing missing is an elite running back. 

Playing in the AFC North is tough. If you think about the teams in terms of brothers, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are the two older siblings who constantly beat up on the younger siblings, the Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

One thing that is constant between all four siblings is that they can all stifle opponents with their defense. The best way to break a dominant defense is by hammering away with an effective running game, thus opening up the play-action pass and the rest of the offense. 

In my mind, if the Bengals were to make this move they would instantly move closer to being able to compete and win against their older brothers, giving them a foundation for further success in the 2012 postseason. 

Which teams might be willing to listen to Cincinnati's inquiries?

Mike Holmgren may be willing to stick with Colt McCoy for another year, and if he is the Cleveland Browns might be interested in striking a deal. Holmgren is in full rebuilding mode, and there are plenty of playmakers in the bottom half of the first round and into the second round he could have his eye on. 

If Holmgren decides to roll the dice and pick Robert Griffin III, Mike Shanahan might be willing to listen to the Bengals for the sixth overall pick. Landry Jones and Matt Barkley both decided to go back to school, making this year's class thin for first-round quarterback talent.

After that, I can see the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks as possible trade partners, provided Richardson fell that far.

The bottom line is that I believe the time is now for Mike Brown to be aggressive in the draft, and he should give his young offense the final cornerstone it needs to become a dominant unit in the league for years to come.

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