NFL Draft 2012: Predicting Which Teams Will Trade Down in Round 1

We know it's bound to happen during the NFL draft at some point, because trading down does allow a franchise to prepare a year or two in advance for upcoming seasons.

To that end, here are teams who could potentially trade down this April, especially after how free agency has panned out.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are in an interesting position because they can go multiple ways at No. 4 overall and there is no wrong decision.

Cleveland can draft either receiver Justin Blackmon or running back Trent Richardson and boost the offense. The Browns could also select LSU corner Morris Claiborne to give Joe Haden a complement in the secondary, or they could trade down to stock up even more for upcoming drafts.

With another first-round selection at No. 22 overall, courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons, it would not be surprising to see the Browns trade down once again. Considering how valuable a Top-Five selection is, Cleveland could get two future first-rounders on top of swapping with someone in 2012 and a second- or third-rounder.

Despite all of Cleveland's needs to become a competitive franchise, it's not like the Browns have much to lose by trading down anyway.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville, if anything, needs to spruce up the offensive line and get improved pass protection. However, with Matt Kalil likely to be off the board, the question is whether Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff is a stretch at No. 7 overall.

Also, the Jaguars could get a boost at receiver to complement Laurent Robinson with, say, Notre Dame's Michael Floyd. However, Floyd is also a bit of a stretch at No. 7, so with other solid talent remaining later in Round 1 as well as Rounds 2 and 3, trading down isn't a bad idea for the Jags.

Jacksonville had a top-10 defense in 2011 and has top-five potential for 2012. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew also needs a complement and reliable No. 2 back.

Therefore, if Jacksonville trades down, gets a few more mid-round selections and another first-rounder or two in future drafts, the Jags will quickly emerge as AFC title contenders.

Miami Dolphins

The main discussion with the Dolphins sitting at No. 8 overall is whether they go after Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill.

The man played for current offensive coordinator Mike Sherman during his time with the Aggies and is widely considered the third-best quarterback in the draft.

However, Tannehill has durability concerns. No matter how great a prospect may be, he does a franchise no good by standing on the sidelines. Instead, Miami can draft other positions such as a receiver, cornerback or offensive lineman.

It's also a risk, though, to pass up on Tannehill as he'll likely be gone before Round 1 is complete. To that end, the Dolphins can maximize their No. 8 spot by trading down and getting future picks. Doing so would also position them to potentially select Tannehill later in Round 1.

He then becomes less of a risky selection, and Miami gets more picks to work with in regards to long-term investment and quicker rebuilding.

John Rozum on Twitter.