2012 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Redskins and More Teams That Must Trade Up

The 2012 NFL draft will be filled with a number of trades, and we could see some big-time deals made in the first round. 

Several teams have the means to make major leaps on draft day, but there a few teams that don't have multiple picks to package but should still consider moving up. 

A few playoff-ready teams need to land that one highly coveted prospect that will excel in his rookie season, helping his team reach the postseason. If trading up is the best way to get the elite prospect, then so be it. 

With that said, here's my mock draft with info on each pick and a more in-depth look on the few teams that must trade up in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft 

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford   

At the combine, Luck reminded everyone he's the top overall prospect, and the Colts would be very wise to draft him and focus on the future. 

TRADE

2. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The one team that needs to trade up the most in the draft is the Redskins, and here I have them doing just that.

If Washington wants to win in the NFC East, it has to have a legitimate quarterback. The Heisman Trophy winner will thrive with the Redskins, making big plays right from the start. 

As a dual-threat quarterback that thinks pass first, Griffin is an extremely dangerous player headed for great success. 

The Redskins can't afford to let Griffin go elsewhere, which is why they have to trade up and draft him. The price will be high to move up, but it will all be worth it to draft a player that could potentially end up as the best from this draft class. 

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

With Kalil still on the board, the Vikings will act fast to get him. He's the best offensive tackle in the draft class, and he'll create many holes for Adrian Peterson to run through. 

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Browns could consider a running back here, but getting a skilled wideout like Blackmon to help open up the offense for Colt McCoy is their best bet. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU 

The top corner in the draft, Claiborne is a sure-fire star that will make an immediate impact for the Bucs.

TRADE

6. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Rams wisely move back and take a small reach on Brockers. His ceiling is very high, and with several other draft picks acquired from Washington, the Rams can afford to take the gamble here at No. 6. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Showing up at the combine at 216 pounds was huge for Jeffery. He didn't compete in any drills or workouts, but he's still extremely talented and will be a huge help to Blaine Gabbert. 

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama 

With Richardson dropping, don't be surprised if a team comes calling. Still, the Dolphins would greatly benefit from adding the best running back in the draft.

They'd prefer a QB, but pairing Richardson would Reggie Bush would make the Dolphins a scary team. Miami would benefit more from landing a QB in free agency and improving the offense in the draft by getting Richardson. 

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Despite a down year last season, Coples has immense talent, and the Panthers will take the leap of faith and draft the hometown kid to get after opposing QBs. 

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama 

The top linebacker in the draft, Upshaw has superb talent. He'll make a major impact for the Bills, a team that's in dire need of skilled defenders. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Chiefs have plenty of options here, but securing the future of the offensive line with Reiff is a great move. 

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Nick Perry, DE, USC 

If the Seahawks want to address their biggest need, they'll trade up to get a quarterback. It's going to be very difficult with other teams vying for Robert Griffin III, but it's something Seattle needs to heavily consider. 

Since the Seahawks are all the way back at No. 12, I don't see them jumping up to No. 2, which is where RGIII is going to be drafted. This means they'll stay put and avoid giving away their entire draft to move up. 

Should the Seahawks remain at No. 12, getting an explosive pass-rusher like Perry would do wonders for their defense.  

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Cardinals have a number of options here, but getting Martin to help strengthen the ground game is the best move because he's the best available prospect here. 

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College 

The Cowboys could look a cornerback here, especially with Dre Kirkpatrick still on the board. However, they're much better off adding youth, speed and tenacity to their defense by selecting Kuechly, a tackling machine. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame 

The Eagles have a big decision to make regarding DeSean Jackson, but if they're smart they'll get rid of the diva and draft Floyd to be their next big star. 

16. New York Jets (8-8): ): Chris Polk, RB, Washington 

If Trent Richardson is still on the board at No. 6, the Jets should seriously consider moving up. If Richardson makes it out of the Top 10 then the Jets have to jump up and get him. 

Yes, the defense has issues and drafting a defender would be a plus, but a chance to get the best running back in the draft class should not be thrown away. 

New York's offense would be very dangerous with Richardson in the backfield. I have the Jets getting Polk here, and while he's a good option, Richardson is much better, which is why they really need to make a move for him. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 

The offseason arrest hurts Kirkpatrick's stock, but the Bengals will jump all over him should he indeed fall their way. He's still very talented, and the Bengals will forget about his off-the-field incident. 

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Chargers need to get better protection for Philip Rivers, and Adams will be a great fit. 

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

The Bears will be happy settling for DeCastro, who is the best interior lineman in the draft. 

However, if they're smart, the Bears will do whatever it takes to jump into the Top 15, maybe even Top 10, to get an elite wide receiver. 

Kendall Wright, Mohamed Sanu, Rueben Randle, Dwight Jones and Stephen Hill are all options here, but it would be too much of a reach for the Bears to make. 

If Chicago doesn't wisely add a skilled receiver in free agency, it has to get a top-notch wideout in the draft. The best way to get one is by trading up. Giving Jay Cutler Blackmon, Jeffery or Floyd would make the Bears a big-time contender for 2012. 

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram will be an instant upgrade to the Titans defensive front, disrupting opposing QBs early and often. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Cedric Benson isn't likely to return, meaning the Bengals need to find his replacement. Miller is the perfect fit, as his killer speed will help him thrive in the NFL. 

22. Clevleand Browns (via ATL 10-6): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Mercilus has bust written all over him since he had just one good year in college, but the Browns have a need for a pass-rushing defender. Mercilus has the talent but will have to prove he's not a fluke. 

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia                 

The Lions could very well select a cornerback since some good ones are still available, but it would be a smart move to strengthen the offensive line by drafting Glenn. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State 

Burfict has character concerns, and he certainly didn't help himself at the combine. However, his game skills are very good, and the Steelers will gladly take the talented linebacker and make sure he is disciplined.  

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis 

Cornerback is a position the Broncos could go with here, but defensive tackle is a bigger need. Poe solidified his status as a first-rounder with his impressive performance at the combine. 

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

Konz is the top center in the draft, but he could also play guard. The Texans might think about a wide receiver here to play alongside Andre Johnson, but I think they lose key offensive lineman Chris Myers in free agency, so they go with Konz here. 

27. New England Patriots (via NOLA 13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Patriots have a number of options with their two first-round draft picks. Trading up could be possible if they have their hearts set on one particular guy. I think they'll stay put, though, and focus on upgrading the defense. Landing Dennard is the perfect start. 

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): ): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Packers have some aging corners, and Jenkins would be a great player to add to the mix to learn from and eventually replace them. 

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina 

Baltimore would love an offensive lineman to fall their way, but if they want one at No. 29 they'd most likely be reaching for one. Instead, they'll select the best available defender. 

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor 

The 49ers offense needs more explosive playmakers, which is exactly what Wright will provide. 

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

The Patriots wisely keep their second firs- round draft pick in order to boost the defensive line with Curry, a powerful defender up front who is quickly rising on draft boards. 

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

The Giants know that Hightower may not be here, but because of different team needs, trades and surprise picks, the Alabama standout drops to them.