NFL Draft 2012: Why New England Patriots Should Trade Up for a Defensive Star

The New England Patriots have four picks in the first two rounds of the NFL draft that they must use to trade up in the first round in order to select an impact player on defense.

The Patriots' championship window isn't going to close in the near future, but the team also doesn't have the time to wait on a defensive player to develop. Belichick must select a player who can step right into the NFL and contribute as a rookie.

The Patriots need a ton of help in the secondary at both the cornerback and safety spots, while the defensive line could also use some work.

A pass-rusher and a safety are the two biggest needs for the Patriots next season, and head coach Bill Belichick, who usually trades down to stockpile picks for future drafts, could very well trade up this season.

There are several players who would really help the Patriots defense who are worth trading up for. One of them is Alabama star safety Mark Barron, who is the only safety in this draft class who could start as a rookie.

Barron defends the run extremely well, which would really help the Patriots, who have been hit with numerous injuries to players in the secondary over the last few years.

The Patriots would need to trade up into the top 15 to have a safe chance to draft Barron, who could be coveted by other teams needing safety help such as the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.

Cornerback Morris Claiborne, as well as defensive ends Melvin Ingram and Quinton Coples, are other possible targets for the Patriots if they choose to trade up.

With the Patriots already having a Super Bowl caliber team, but at the same time having several holes on defense to fill, there has never been a better time to trade up in the first round for a player who can make a big impact as a rookie.

The Patriots have two first-round picks, so the ideal situation for the team would be to use one to trade up and use the other to select a player.

Belichick has a lot of ammunition to use if he wants to trade up into the top of the draft, and with some weaknesses to address on defense, he must make a bold trade and draft a star defensive player.