2012 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Could Trade Up for RB Trent Richardson

The Cincinnati Bengals certainly need at least one running back added to their roster this offseason, but whether that's via free agency or the draft remains to be seen. 

If it's the draft, there's a very real possibility the team trades up from its No. 17 first-round pick (its first of two in the round) to snag Trent Richardson, the best running back prospect of this year's class.

This news comes via the National Football Authority's Bear Heiser, who spoke with a team executive who said the Bengals are indeed searching for a willing trade partner. The most likely team to agree to the deal is the Arizona Cardinals, who have the 13th overall pick.

Heiser goes on to say that a trade up would likely cost the Bengals another pick or two in later rounds.

It's clear that Richardson is on the team's radar and would be a major addition that could easily keep the team near the very top of the league. However, there are a lot of "ifs" to this scenario that could make trading up with the Cardinals a huge gamble for Cincinnati.

First, there's the assumption that Richardson will still be on the board by the 13th pick. The Cleveland Browns have long been a suspected landing spot for Richardson and they hold the No. 4 overall pick.

Though Cleveland is one of the teams rumored to be in discussion to trade up with the Rams to No. 2 in order to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III, there's no guarantee they'll be the one to win the Rams' pick.

Should Cleveland have to stay at No. 4, Richardson could very easily be the team's target, especially considering the Browns are not going to franchise running back Peyton Hillis and is unlikely to sign him to a new deal either.

Secondly, even if Cleveland passes on Richardson, there are still a number of teams between picks four and 13 who could draft him. Even though it doesn't seem likely on paper, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 5), the Miami Dolphins (No. 8) or even the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 11) could pluck the former Crimson Tide running back. 

It would all depend on whether those teams use their first-round picks on an area of need or the best available player. Should Richardson continue to drop, he will quickly be the best available player on the board and a team could bite before the Bengals even get a chance.

What is known, however, is that there is practically zero chance the Bengals will be able to draft Richardson by staying at No. 17. Still, it's not likely the Bengals would agree to a trade unless they were completely convinced Richardson would still be available at No. 13.

The fact that they might already have a willing partner in Arizona is a positive development, but should Cincy snag Richardson, it would be both a huge coup and the best possible way to address an area of immediate need.

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