NFL Draft 2012: Washington Redskins and Teams That Would Be Smart To Trade Up

Sometimes when a team is in need of improvements, it is contingent upon them to be proactive and make an aggressive move. The NFL draft is a great forum for that, as it allows teams to wheel and deal in order to fill needs and stock their cupboard full of new and exciting talent.

Last year, the Atlanta Falcons made a big leap by trading into the top 10 in order to select wide receiver Julio Jones. The Falcons were already a playoff team and while they didn't go any further in 2011, Jones absolutely made their offense more well-rounded and dangerous.

Here are three teams that ought to follow in the Falcons footsteps in the 2012 draft and trade up to address their needs.

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins have never been shy about making bold moves under owner Dan Snyder. Of course, they haven't worked out much of the time, but the organization isn't averse to some risk taking.

Washington currently has the No. 6 pick in the draft, which means it should get a franchise player, but there is reason to believe a trade would make sense. The Redskins are in desperate need of a quarterback as Rex Grossman and John Beck can't cut the mustard.

The issue with that, however, is that Andrew Luck is going first overall and there is a good chance that Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III will be gone, too. The 'Skins could reach a bit and take Ryan Tannehill at No. 6, but that would be a major risk.

The best bet might be trading up to No. 3 and selecting Griffin instead. The Cleveland Browns are major players for Griffin at No. 4, so if the Redskins want him then they need to make a power move.

Buffalo Bills

With a 12-year drought, the Buffalo Bills have the longest playoff dry spell in the NFL by a wide margin. Early in 2011 it looked like that might finally change, but injuries and inconsistent play plagued them in the second half of the season. Buffalo does have some major holes to fill, as well as the New England Patriots to contend with in the AFC East, but they aren't that far off from postseason contention.

Perhaps the Bills' biggest need is a pass-rusher. Buffalo is switching back to a 4-3 defense this season and already have a formidable duo inside with last year's first-rounder Marcell Dareus and a healthy Kyle Williams.

The Bills desperately need to get some pressure on the quarterback, though, and North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples would fit the bill. Waiting for him at No. 10 is risky, but if the Bills can trade up to No. 7 and bypass the likes of the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins then they can get their man.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions broke their decade-long playoff drought this past season as Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and an explosive offense helped them return to relevancy. There is a lot to like about the Lions, particularly on offense and on the defensive line, but they also have some very obvious holes. The good news, however, is that Detroit doesn't have a ton of work to do before it is considered a major threat to win the NFC.

Detroit's secondary was certainly exposed by the Green Bay Packers in the final week of the regular season and the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. With that said, the Lions could benefit from a lock-down cornerback.

The issue is that those types of players aren't readily available at No. 23. If the Lions trade up several spots, though, Alabama corner Dre Kirkpatrick could be had. Kirkpatrick's value has fallen due to a marijuana arrest, but he has incredible talent and could end up being the best corner in the draft.