2012 NFL Draft: Teams That Would Be Better off Trading First-Round Pick

For some teams, the 2012 NFL draft must be about quantity more than quality. While obviously they still want to get quality players with each pick, they should trade down to take a guy with less value so that they can add more to the roster. 

This shouldn't be too hard a task. There is never a shortage of teams looking to move up in the draft. With that in mind, here are the teams that must trade down. 

St. Louis Rams

The Rams have a need to add an elite wide receiver.

Justin Blackmon is widely regarded as the best receiver in this draft. However, he is not worth the No. 2 selection, and that is some extremely valuable draft real estate as teams are trying to angle for a chance to draft Robert Griffin III.

Howard Eskin of NBC 10 TV sheds some light on the kind of value the Rams could get for this pick. 

"

I'm told by people within Redskins they are prepared to offer picks 1,2 and 3 this year, at least a 1 next year to move up to get RG3 at 2

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) February 26, 2012"

The Rams could drop down and still have a shot at drafting Blackmon. They would also have two additional picks in this draft to fill holes (like the offensive and defensive line) and get bonus picks next year. 

The Rams are in a great position here. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

The Buccaneers were easily the worst team in football over the second half of the season. They need to do everything possible to erase the stains that left on the team. 

They can start that process by trading down from No. 5 and accumulating as many picks as possible. 

Tampa will be well-served to add a large group of hungry rookies that know nothing of how this team quit last season. 

That will make first-year coach Greg Schiano's job of changing the culture in Tampa Bay far easier. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers would do themselves well to land an elite tackle in this draft. However, at No. 24 they aren't going to have one of those tackles available to them. 

They will be forced to take a tackle that they would likely still have a shot at if they traded down. 

The Steelers have nothing to lose by trading down. They can still get a tackle with potential and acquire extra picks, which they could use to add youth to their aging defense. 

This will serve the Steelers far better than holding on to their first pick.