NFL Draft Rumors: The Latest Trade Buzz Ahead of This Week's Draft

It wouldn't be the NFL draft without buzz about trades and speculation about players rising and falling on big boards all across the league.

Teams that want to trade up are looking for dance partners. Those who are looking to trade down are looking for aggressive teams to make a splash and offer a king's ransom for landing the player they covet.

Oh, let the game of cat and mouse begin.

This is the feeding frenzy and the best time of the draft—leading up to the event.

While the draft is still three days away (I am getting a bit giddy over it), there are still plenty of rumors to be bantered about and plenty of us writers who will follow them like the hot cheerleader in high school.

Here are some rumors that are being shared around the league.

The Jaguars Want to Trade Down and Draft Stephon Gilmore

The defensive back from South Carolina appears to be on the wish list of the Jaguars, according to Pro Football Talk.

Stephon Gilmore, the second-best defensive back on many draft boards, could be had in the middle-to-late portion of the first round. And if the Jaguars dangle the seventh pick as bait, they could land Gilmore and other draft picks, which may allow them to still get a coveted wide receiver.

Cincinnati and New England both have two first-round selections. The New York Jets at No. 16 and Dallas at No. 14 could also be in play.

The Jets Could Trade Up or Down, Depending on the Player

According to Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, the 16th pick in the draft could be shopped to either move up or down in the first round, via The Star-Ledger.

This may be a sign that the Jets have several players they would like to add to their roster.

The Jets need a receiver, pass-rusher and running back, and while trying to get Trent Richardson may cost them the mortgage, a dependable pass-rusher like Melvin Ingram or a receiver like Kendall Wright may be just in line with what they need.

Moving up or down a few spots may be worth the move if they can land either of those players.

The Chiefs May Be Interested in Ryan Tannehill

Of course, that means Kansas City may have to move up as high as the fourth pick.

The Chiefs may not be happy with Matt Cassel's play and might want to bring in a rookie to groom as their future signal-caller.

Could the Browns be willing to deal for a middle-of-the-pack first-round selection?

The Chiefs still have Cassel under contract, which would allow Ryan Tannehill to sit and learn. Cassel’s contract is also more friendly for the Chiefs to part with when they are ready to move on to Tannehill as their starter.

Philadelphia May Be Interested in the Browns' Pick

The Philadelphia Eagles are listed as a team that may want to get into the Ryan Tannehill sweepstakes as well, according to The Times Herald.

In order to do that, the Eagles brass would have to shop the 15th pick in the draft.

The problem with that kind of trade is the Eagles already have a lot of money invested in Michael Vick, and trading for Tannehill and signing him to a contract may exhaust the bankroll of the team.

It also means Vick's days in Philadelphia are numbered.

49ers, Bengals Looking to Deal?

According to The Press Democrat, the 49ers may be interested in Coby Fleener, the former Stanford Cardinal tight end who played under Jim Harbaugh two seasons ago.

Fleener would give the 49ers another solid receiving target, and with Vernon Davis, it would also give the team a set of really good tight ends.

According to the "rumor," the 49ers would swap first-round picks with the Bengals, plus give Cincinnati their second- and fourth-rounders this year to draft Fleener.

Are the Cowboys Looking to Be Major Trade Players on Thursday?

The NFL draft would just not be the same if the Cowboys were somehow not right in the middle of trade rumors.

Right now, the 'Boys could go either way in the draft to possibly get the player they desire. One of the players the team may be looking at is Boise State OLB Shea McClellin. According to DraftInsider.net:

"

Fast rising Shea McClellin of Boise State is getting a lot of consideration at middle/inside linebacker by a number of teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, who we reported last week will explore trading down from the 14th spot. McClellin showed at the Senior Bowl he could quickly adjust to a number of traditional linebacker spots. McLellin continues to move north on draft boards. We were told one franchise tried to squeeze him in for a last minute visit but there was no room on the schedule.

"

McClellin, according to sources, may not be available when the Cowboys pick in the second round.