2012 NFL Draft: Ideal Fits If St. Louis Rams or Philadelphia Eagles Trade Up

In two of the past three NFL drafts, the Cleveland Browns traded down. Cleveland kept its 2010 top-10 selection and landed former Florida cornerback Joe Haden.

This season, the Browns hold the No. 4 spot and can upgrade the team with Trent Richardson, Justin Blackmon or Fletcher Cox.

Trading down is also an option and, once again, may end up being the case.

According to May Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, St. Louis and Philadelphia are interested in moving up:

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Rams coach Jeff Fisher, who has the No. 6 pick, has already identified the Browns as a potential trade partner, and the Eagles at No. 15 are believed to be interested in trading up, sources said.

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With that said, here are some ideal prospects the Rams and Eagles need to consider should they acquire the No. 4 overall selection.

Trent Richardson: RB, Alabama

Obviously the best and most complete running back in the draft, Trent Richardson allows the Rams and Eagles to run a solid two-back set on virtually every down.

The Eagles need a bruising ball-carrier that can help win the short-yard situations and get excellent yards after first contact. St. Louis simply needs to get Steven Jackson a complement in the backfield to keep defenses off balance.

Richardson is also an excellent pass-blocker, as well as reliable on screens and checkdowns. His presence will only make the play-action pass more of a threat, especially in Philadelphia where LeSean McCoy can motion out to the slot.

Against division rivals that possess strong front sevens, solid run defenses and dominant pass-rushers, Richardson's addition to the Eagles or Rams will improve the ability to move the football more effectively.

Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State

Both the Eagles and Rams lack that true No. 1 receiver that can really get a defense on its heels.

Justin Blackmon is a great route-runner who is strong and possesses impressive body control to make plays all over the field. He'll easily be the go-to guy in St. Louis, as the Rams are desperate for a playmaking receiver.

In Philadelphia, however, Blackmon wouldn't have as much pressure with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin lining up at receiver as well.

Still, the Oklahoma State wideout will face many single-coverage situations as a rookie.

Provided Blackmon produces from the start, opponents will need to use double coverage at times, thus providing other receivers with more favorable situations and taking pressure off the running game.

In addition, Blackmon is a good blocker downfield to create additional running lanes. His size, strength and short-area quickness could also be used to wall off linebackers and defensive ends at the edge of the line.

Fletcher Cox: DT/DE, Mississippi State

Although he's a slight stretch at No. 4 overall, Fletcher Cox is a dynamic defensive lineman who will significantly boost either team's front seven.

Last season, stopping the run was the weak point for both Philadelphia and St. Louis.

The Eagles ranked No. 16 against the run and allowed an average of 4.4 yards per carry. The Rams were much worse at No. 31 and allowed 4.8 yards per carry.

Fletcher, however, is a constant menace in the backfield and can get quarterback pressure from the outside or inside. He has the explosion to beat double-teams, track down ball-carriers from the backside and quickly read the developing plays.

Philadelphia and St. Louie both need a guy that can draw a consistent double-team, as doing so frees up the rest of the front seven. Considering that Cox was Mississippi State's lone standout defender, he drew plenty of attention.

His presence on the line alone will pay dividends for either team and Fletcher will make even more plays when put in one-on-one situations.

John Rozum on Twitter.