2012 NFL Draft Order: Middle-of-the-Pack Teams That Must Trade Up

Just about every NFL draft features some mind-boggling trade, and this year we could see that happen from those teams picking in the middle of the first round. 

These middle-of-the-pack teams just missed out on the playoffs or suffered a first-round loss. They're in a tough spot because chances are they won't be able to get their biggest need in the position they're drafting. 

This means that making a trade is their best bet, and moving up to get a better prospect is what they should do. Sure, trading back for more draft picks is an option, but these teams are in dire need of that one special player, which is why moving up is the right thing to do. 

That being said, here are three mid-first-round teams that should move up.

Chicago Bears 

With the No. 19 pick, the Bears are likely to take the best available offensive lineman. This could be David DeCastro of Stanford, Gordy Glenn of Georgia or Mike Adams of Ohio State. 

However, trading up to land a highly coveted wide receiver is what needs to be done for Chicago. Yes, Jay Cutler does need better protection, but the Bears are better off fixing those needs during free agency. 

Finding a young playmaking wide receiver to help spread the ball down the field for the Bears is a must. Chicago is very close to being a legitimate contender in the NFC, but it needs that deep-ball threat—someone who can make monster plays to help the offense. 

Trading up is the best way to ensure the Bears get a Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery to greatly boost the offense. 

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are also in a rut with the No. 18 pick. Their biggest need is to help upgrade and strengthen the offensive line, but the great ones will all be gone by then. 

Sure, San Diego could take their chances on one at No. 18 and hope the project guard or tackle pans out, but the Chargers are much better off moving up. 

Should they actually go through with it, the Chargers would have a strong shot at Johnathan Martin of Stanford or Riley Rieff of Iowa. 

The Chargers could also consider trading up to get another playmaking wide receiver or even Trent Richardson should he fall on draft day. After all, this team constantly is getting hurt, and it's never a bad idea to give Philip Rivers more weapons.

Cincinnati Bengals  

The Bengals are one of the few teams in the best position to make a draft-day trade. With two first-round picks, Cincinnati can package them together to get one phenomenal player. 

Should running back Trent Richardson fall, jumping up to draft him would be a superb move. Cedric Benson is a free agent this season, and instead of bringing him back, the Bengals could save money and land Richardson. 

Either that, or the Bengals could move up for a standout wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green. Since their No. 2 wideout, Jerome Simpson, was indicted on drug charges, the Bengals would be wise to find another playmaker. 

Of course, it would great to get two first-round players, but moving up to get one of the best players in the draft is definitely worth it for this young team. 

2012 NFL Draft Order

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14)
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14)
3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13)
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)
6. Washington Redskins (5-11)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
8. Carolina Panthers (6-10, pending coin flip with Miami))
9. Miami Dolphins (6-10, pending coin flip with Carolina)
10. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
11. Kansas City (7-9, pending coin flip with Seattle)
12. Seattle (7-9, pending coin flip with Kansas City)
13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
16. New York Jets (8-8)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from 8-8 Oakland Raiders)
18. San Diego Chargers(8-8)
19. Chicago Bears (8-8)
20. Tennessee Titans(9-7)
21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
22. Cleveland Browns (from 10-6 Atlanta Falcons)
23. Detroit Lions (10-6)
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
25. Denver Broncos (8-8)
26. Houston Texans (10-6)
27. New England Patriots (from 13-3 New Orleans Saints)
28. Green Bay Packers (15-1)
29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
31. New York Giants* (9-7)
32. New England Patriots* (13-3)