2012 NFL Draft Predictions: 7 Teams Guaranteed to Trade Up, Down

Being knee deep in free agency has not taken away the 32 NFL teams' desires to be a hit in the 2012 NFL draft.

Call it phase one of the regrouping and rebuilding process.

While teams are looking for more puzzle pieces and then finding the pieces that could not be bought in free agency, the draft serves as the cure-all of ills. And many times it works. Many other times, well, it's not so successful.

There are certain teams who will remain active in the draft and free agency and still look for more players and picks. Many call this greedy. Others call it strategic. Either way, it can be a big benefit for some franchises looking for a quick fix to their problems.

While you know there will be certain teams who will be active players in the draft—trading up, trading down, being involved—some may surprise you.

Here is a look at seven teams you can expect to see plenty of action come April 26.

Washington Redskins

Don't count the Washington Redskins out of anything yet. They still may make a few more moves.

This is Daniel Snyder's team, isn't it?

After trading their top pick in the draft, mortgaging the future, and making the St. Louis Rams a very happy team, Washington went out and got Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan to be big-play targets for Robert Griffin III.

I could still see the Redskins do something to acquire more picks, although it would have to be one heck of a deal.

New England Patriots

The Patriots are a team that likes to trade down and accumulate picks. This year, however, might be different.

New England has two first-round picks (the rich get richer) and need help on the defensive side of the ball, as well as a speed receiver. Both could be there for the taking.

Could a Quinton Coples or a Nick Perry, should they fall down the board, entice Bill Belichick enough to make a move and trade up to improve the team's pass rush?

Would someone like Michael Floyd in the middle of the round be the solution to finding a young fast receiver?

Dallas Cowboys

If the Cowboys can get their hands on Dre Kirkpatrick, I see them trading up.

Terence Newman was released and the Cowboys secondary is in need of help. Kirkpatrick is an ideal fit for this team.

If the 'Boys cannot get the Alabama star, look for them to maybe trade back a couple of slots, get an additional pick or two, and tab Janoris Jenkins of Florida with their first pick.

Cincinnati Bengals

They have the 17th and 21st selections and could be in the market for a running back.

How about trading up to get Trent Richardson?

If the Alabama product is available after the top 10, then teams will be clamoring to move up. The Bengals have the proper ammunition to do so.

Having Richardson on their team takes them one step closer to contending for another playoff spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars

This team has to do something. I think they trade down.

Being in the seventh slot in the draft is tough. The Jaguars need a rush end and a receiver. They could trade out of the first 10 picks, acquire a second rounder and get Melvin Ingram, DE/LB from South Carolina.

Then take a second and third, trade back into the first round (31st with New England) and select Stephen Hill, a speedy receiver from Georgia Tech.

Cleveland Brows

This is the one team that was affected by the Redskins-Rams trade the most.

And it hurt pretty bad.

Look for Cleveland to take Morris Claiborne with the fourth pick in the draft. After that, it's anyone's guess.

They have the Falcons' first-round pick from the Julio Jones trade. Look for them to maybe take Ryan Tannehill with that selection or trade down and pick up some more picks.

I think this team is a few picks and players away from being really good.

St. Louis Rams

After making sure their future is safe and becoming the Redskins of the West, look for the Rams to wheel and deal.

They already signed Cortland Finnegan to be reunited with Jeff Fisher in the Rams defense. Look for Fisher to go after more players in this draft by trading up.

At the sixth pick, I expect them to still take WR Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, but don't be surprised if they trade down again.

This team needs players, and ones that will be with the franchise for the next five seasons.