2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams That Would Benefit Greatly from Trading Down

Sometimes it's better to move down the ladder, and that is what some of the following teams should do before their pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

The shuffle of papers and much debate behind the scenes has already started, and some teams may just settle on moving back in the draft when value is a far more prolific thing. 

Here is a first-round mock draft with teams that are better suited trading down being highlighted. 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This is the pick we have known would take place from day one, and nothing changes. 

2. Washington Redskins (via STL): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins get a quarterback that would be the No. 1 pick in any other year. 

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

This is the most interesting pick of the draft, and could set off a domino effect that would last well into the latter part of the first round. 

The pick for me is the safe play, and taking a solid lineman that will lock down the line for years. However, the sexier and flashier play is to draft Morris Claiborne, a game-changer on the other side of the ball. 

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Forget any talk about a quarterback, because Trent Richardson is a Pro Bowl talent, and will make an impact as early as next season. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

And we come to our first team that should trade back, but it comes with an obvious caveat. 

The Buccaneers should take Claiborne, but the Vikings taking anyone other than Kalil would set off a mad scramble for the Bucs, and one where they have to either trade back, or take the best athlete at the time. 

6. St. Louis Rams (via WAS): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The hope for the Rams is that all things stay status quo so they can still take the wide receiver they have no doubt been pining over for the last few months. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina 

He has the tenacity and size to make a difference right away. The Jaguars are instantly better up front and far more dangerous on defense. 

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M 

The Dolphins have holes all over the place, so I will excuse what is still an egregious reach.  

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State 

The Panthers need a man up front to star and feature in the pass rush. Cox plays with a rare passion and is the perfect player to be the impetus for that attack.  

10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

I wouldn't mind them taking a reach on a vertical threat like Michael Floyd, but the offensive line is more important.  

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College 

The Chiefs get exactly what they need in a stout linebacker with immense upside. He is quick to the ball and has great instincts. 

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Motor will be an issue, but his size and explosive talents will never be.  

13. Arizona Cardinals: Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

I like the Cardinals taking a guard that will solve the pocket protection and be a real find for the running game as well. I like the way Glenn can lead the block with his underrated speed. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis 

His stock is dropping, but I am not about to deny 44 reps with 225 pounds and a 40-yard dash time of 4.98 seconds. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Eagles get exactly what they need in Mark Barron, a safety that solves their issues with consistency at that position. He is the best around, and could very well be gone by this point. 

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

He may be wavering with teams after a lackluster combine, but that just makes this gifted pass rusher a much better value here for the Jets, who need a linebacker. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Bengals get the best receiver after Justin Blackmon, and it's by a small margin. Floyd is a dynamic player that will nearly guarantee the Bengals and Andy Dalton will replicate their 2011 efforts. 

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

The Chargers could use help on the offensive line, but I love Mercilus and his work ethic. Taking his game to an extra level last year will pay off.  

19. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa  

If a player like Reiff doesn't fall to the Bears, they may toy with trading back. I see at least one of the stout linemen here for the taking, though.   

20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 

The Titans need a tough defender that isn't afraid to take on the best in the game. Kirkpatrick doesn't get a lot of national run compared with other elite players, but he is a steal at this point. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Bengals would pull off a brilliant first round if they leave with a receiver and star cornerback heading back to Cincinnati. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

If Colt McCoy is going to get a real shot at locking down the QB spot on this team, he needs a solid vertical threat. 

23. Detroit Lions: David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

I like DeCastro to shore up the line and guarantee Matthew Stafford stays healthy.  

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Here is the thing, I love Hightower and think he is perfect for the Steelers' system, but if he is gone at this point, it's time to trade back.

There isn't a cornerback, guard or tackle that I feel comfortable with them taking. So if Hightower is off the board, it's time to wheel and deal.   

25. Denver Broncos: Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Broncos get real scary in the pass rush. 

26. Houston Texans: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Texans would be deeper on offense, and Jeffery would have an unbelievable rookie season on the other side of Andre Johnson.  

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The combine saw his stock drop, but he has the size and power to be a solid first-round pick. 

28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson

I like his versatility and ability to play up front or on the outside. Better yet, he moves very well considering his size. 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame 

Harrison Smith is the pick if the Ravens stay pat at this point, and it would still be a solid pick. Smith showed great talent and would fit in nicely as the heir apparent to Ed Reed. 

However, they really need an outside linebacker or guard at this point, but none remain worth the pick. The sane thing is to move back a few picks. 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

I could see the Niners going a number of routes, taking Stephen Hill would be a nice pick to add a weapon on offense, but I say Jenkins, minus his issues, is a real gem at this point. 

31. New England Patriots: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

The Patriots get a proven receiver that can get vertical in an instant, taking 53 receptions for 917 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season.

32. New York Giants: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State (Texas)

Taking care of the offensive line is the proper move here. 

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