NFL Draft Rumors: Teams Likely to Trade Down in 2012 NFL Draft

The NFL draft almost always throws us a curveball with crazy trades that shake things up once the picking has started. 

Based on the rumors we're hearing, here are the three teams most likely to trade down when the first round of the 2012 NFL draft kicks off on April 26.  

Cleveland Browns

The Browns already have two picks in the first round of this year's draft (No. 4 and No. 22), but they have reportedly been interested in moving out of the fourth spot and have fielded offers. The St. Louis Rams (who have already moved down from No. 2 to No. 6) could be looking to move up in order to ensure they get Oklahoma State wideout Justin Blackmon.

In fact, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher claimed that the Browns are a potential trade partner and went on to say that St. Louis has "a very realistic possibility of moving" out of No. 6. 

In addition to the Rams, the Browns could field offers from teams looking to move up and select Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who probably won't last past the Miami Dolphins at No. 8. 

Of the teams in the top 10, the Browns are the most likely to trade down, though I do believe in the end they will stay put and make a pick.

Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones has said he believes there is a very real chance that his Cowboys could move out of the No. 14 spot. If Dallas stays put it is more than likely that the team will target a defensive player like Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who is flying up draft boards.

But typically teams in the 12 to 18 range are the most often targeted for trade-ups by teams with a specific player in mind. That means the Cowboys are well-positioned to possibly move down and still be able to grab a defensive lineman later in a first round that should be full of them.

Dallas will also be looking hard at Alabama safety Mark Barron, but a solid trade offer that would allow the team to plug more than one hole on its defense would be difficult to pass up. The Cowboys are solid offensively but really need to get better defensively and could use a trade to stockpile the picks needed to really improve themselves.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks need help at linebacker now that David Hawthorne has signed with the New Orleans Saints. While Boston College's Luke Kuechly could be available at No. 12, he'll likely come off the board at No. 11 when the Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock. 

Seattle is said to be enamored with Alabama middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower, but the No. 12 pick would be far too high to select him. With that in mind, the Seahawks are reportedly trying to trade down into the middle of the first round to take him, while adding some picks. 

If Seattle stays put there is a chance the team could select Hightower's college teammate, safety Mark Barron, then move Kam Chancellor to linebacker. That would be an odd move, since Chancellor made the Pro Bowl as a safety in 2011. 

The key for the Seahawks will be finding a trade partner who is willing to jump up to the 12th pick. The best hope for Seattle would be if Tannehill lasts that long, as someone is sure to be interested in grabbing him there.