2012 NFL Draft: 4 Teams That Should Seek to Trade Their Top Pick

Trading up in the draft offers the chance to stockpile picks and address multiple areas of team building. It is one of the best ways for a struggling franchise to try and construct a long-term winner.

The 2011 draft was highlighted by the blockbuster trade which saw the Atlanta Falcons swap places with the Cleveland Browns and grab Alabama flanker Julio Jones.

The 2012 draft order offers some interesting scenarios for teams looking to trade their first-round selection.

With the race on to select a franchise quarterback and many teams in desperate need in this area, trade opportunities are beginning to grow in number.

Here are four teams who could look to trade their first pick.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

If the Jaguars feel that Blaine Gabbert is their quarterback of the future, they could look to trade out of the seventh spot in the first round.

The Jaguars traded with the Washington Redskins last year, moving from 16th to 10th to grab Gabbert. The 2012 draft could see them trust that Gabbert will come good and stockpile picks in order to surround him with weapons.

Much of what the Jaguars will do will depend on their choice for head coach. But if a new coach decides to build around Gabbert, expect another trade from the Jaguars on draft day.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

The rewards of the Carson Palmer trade give the Cincinnati Bengals plenty of room to wheel and deal in this year's draft.

Having two first-round picks creates many trade opportunities. For a team set at quarterback with Andy Dalton in place, the Bengals could trade either the 17th or 21st selections.

Trading the 17th pick for additional selections in later rounds seems like the Bengals' best bet. With a young core to work with, Marvin Lewis could concentrate on strengthening depth and improving Dalton's supporting cast.

2. Minnesota Vikings

Like the Bengals and Jaguars, the Minnesota Vikings have already started to build their team around a young quarterback.

The Vikings could receive a lot of attention from suitors anxious to get their hands on the draft's third overall pick.

Most mock drafts have the Vikings potentially targeting LSU cover ace Morris Claiborne or offensive tackle Matt Kalil. But there should be plenty of fine cornerbacks still available in round two, including Virginia's Chase Minnifield.

The Vikings could bank on landing a need later on and dangle the third pick in the draft as trade bait. They would be sure to receive plenty of tempting offers.

1. St. Louis Rams

Despite a 2-14 season, the St. Louis Rams are unlikely to walk away from their colossal investment in Sam Bradford.

That makes the draft's second overall pick the biggest bargaining chip the Rams have, as they attempt to construct a team capable of climbing out of the NFC West basement.

With the Indianapolis Colts seemingly set to snare Andrew Luck, quarterback-needy teams will be doing all they can to ensure they are in a position to select Robert Griffin III.

The Rams have a lot of needs and must surround Bradford with better protection and more prolific weapons.