2012 NFL Free Agents: New England Pursuit of Mike Wallace Would Help Both Teams

The New England Patriots are one of the teams that could seemingly benefit from prying Mike Wallace away from the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also have the draft collateral to do it without jeopardizing their long-term building options.

The Patriots have two first-round draft choices. They would only lose one (31st overall) in a Mike Wallace deal. They also have a quarterback who can get the ball deep and who could probably use a speedy receiver in his arsenal.

The Steelers could benefit from this situation, too. They could use a deal with the Patriots to acquire a second first-round pick. That would give the team a couple of options when draft day arrives.

The Steelers likely covet Dontari Poe out of Memphis. He's moved up draft boards after a great combine workout showed he is one of the top defensive players available.

To get Poe, the Steelers will have to move up from 24th overall. Accumulating another first-round selection gives them the tools to do that. If they package both of their first rounders together, they should be able to move into the middle of the round.

The Steelers could also elect to hold onto both picks and work on some of their needs—at inside linebacker and offensive line, for example. With extra cap space coming after the recent penalty to the Redskins and Cowboys, the team might be okay with an extra first-round talent.