NFL Draft Order 2012: Playoff Contenders That Must Trade Up

The 2012 NFL Draft is a brilliant collection of amazing talent, but that shoudln't stop some contenders from trading up to ensure they fill every hole on their teams. 

The rich will get richer, and it will only be a matter of what parts of the team will enjoy a dramatic infusion of talent. 

Some teams need that extra push from a player who would be perfect for them entering next season. Of course, most of these teams will opt to settle obvious needs later in the draft, but here is a look at what a dramatic trade might yield. 

Here are some players who would be well worth the trip higher up the ladder, making a quick trade up in the draft crucial to solidifying a title run. 

1. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are in no-man's land right now. They could use a linebacker, offensive lineman or possibly another wide receiver. 

They may be better served trading down, but there is certainly something to be said for trading up and stealing a proven and elite linebacker or guard. 

Dont'a Hightower or Courtney Upshaw may only be a few picks away from landing in Baltimore, giving them a perfect player to build around for the future, and one who would be an immediate-impact athlete now. 

2. San Francisco 49ers

Let's pick some nits for a second, shall we? The 49ers look likely to pick from a few fine defensive measures late, leaving them to settle a bigger need at wide receiver for later. 

The 49ers are nearly set on defense and really only need depth at this point, but a dynamic receiver would make them a complete ball club in 2012. 

Moving up slightly to steal someone like Alshon Jeffery who is a great red zone find, or even Stephen Hill who is still underrated, would be a tremendous boost to a team that is nearly complete. 

3. New York Jets

I am intrigued by Melvin Ingram fitting in perfectly with the Jets, making a good defense back into a tremendous one. 

The problems is that Ingram will be long gone by this point. He should land somewhere between the Jaguars and Seahawks. 

It may not be worth jumping ahead of Jacksonville, but a move ahead of Seattle, who could also use a man like Ingram, may be the perfect move. It would be a drastic maneuver and would give the Jets exactly what they need. 

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