2012 NFL Draft: 5 Teams That Will Be Most Active

With the NFL scouting combine getting underway, we are seeing teams get their first look at some of the best rookies that we'll see drafted.

While the focus is on the rookies, other news is going on regarding players that might potentially be franchise tagged, those who demand contract extensions and of course, the ongoing drama with Drew Brees.

All of this news and more is helping to influence who will be the most active come draft day.  Will teams at the top of the draft wheel and deal?  What about those teams that have major salary cap issues?

Here are the five teams we can expect to be the most active in this year's draft. 

New England Patriots

Given the history of Bill Belichick, the Patriots should automatically end up on this list every year.  The 'Hoodie has a history of getting as many picks as possible.

Many of those picks are duds but they've also helped land guys like Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, so expect the Patriots, like almost every year, to be busy come draft day giving up a higher pick for two later ones in the middle rounds. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Thanks to their surprising 2011 season, the Bengals don't have a top draft pick, which sadly, is a rarity. 

But while the Bengals pick 21st; they also have the 17th pick in the draft from their trade of Carson Palmer to the Raiders in the middle of the season. 

With two first round picks, expect the Bengals to trade at least one of them to add more depth.  While their 9-7 season and subsequent trip to the playoffs shocked many NFL analysts, they still have holes to fill.  They need a running back to either compliment or replace Cedric Benson.

They can still use help on both interior lines and could also use another receiver to help line up with A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson.

Pittsburgh Steelers

There is no team in worse cap shape than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

How bad is it?  There is a very real chance they may lose Pro Bowl receiver Mike Wallace to free agency, despite the fact a team would have to surrender a first round pick to get him. 

Pittsburgh's AFC North rivals are all drooling at the prospect of signing Wallace or forcing the Steelers to retain him and thus, cut other players in order to get under the cap. 

Regardless of the Wallace drama, they're going to have to cut players or not sign others.  Hines Ward will be the most public casualty of this. 

Pittsburgh picks 24th in the first round, but expect them to be busy, either trading down here, or in later rounds.  The Steelers need young, but more importantly cheap talent. 

Cleavland Browns

Getting the hint the AFC North may be busy?

The Browns are in an interesting position right now.  They have two first round picks, 4th and 22nd.

The second pick coming from the Atlanta Falcons as part of last year's huge trade that saw Julio Jones go to Atlanta.

What the Browns do can be largely attributed to the fate of Robert Griffin III.  The Browns have likely decided that Colt McCoy is not a true franchise quarterback and Griffin III is the kind of quarterback that can bring fresh excitement to this franchise. One with a history of only one trip to the playoffs since coming back into the NFL well over a decade ago.

The Browns will likely be active because of how many options are available.  they could take their two picks and try to move up and get Griffin.  They could take him 4th if he's available and trade the 22nd pick for more picks in this year's and next year's draft.

Or, if someone traded up to get Griffin, the Browns would likely trade out of the 4th pick. 

Don't forget, they have other picks at their disposal thanks to Atlanta. 

St. Louis Rams

Considering there are reports the Rams are already shopping their second pick, you can expect this team to be active.

Though the Rams showed promise in 2010, they failed in spectacular fashion in 2011 going a miserable 2-14.  The team has needs at almost every position except at quarterback.   Considering there could be over five teams begging for the chance to draft Robert Griffin III, the Rams could get a number of draft picks trading out of the slot.

I actually expect the Browns and Rams to hook up in a trade here with Cleavland giving up both of their first round picks, and perhaps even more for the right to draft second.

The Rams can still get Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon with the fourth pick, and then trade the 22nd pick for additional picks.

St. Louis needs all the help they can get.  With a new regime in place, you start the rebuilt by acquiring as many draft picks as possible.