5 Blockbuster Trades We Want to See on This 2012 NFL Draft Day

In the days coming up to the NFL draft, teams are usually setting their board and zeroing in on prospects with each pick. They also try to cut the "dead weight" around their teams by unloading them for draft picks. Some of the time it's due to a coaching or scheme change, but most of the time they are just vets that teams no longer have a need for based on the depth at that certain position and their cap figure.

Here's a look at five trades that should happen this week—not saying that most will happen, but they should. 

Asante Samuel

It seems like Samuel and his high salary have been on the trading block since the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie before the 2011 NFL draft. For what he lacks against the run, Samuel more than makes up for with his lockdown presence in the passing game. 

The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly extremely close to completing the deal for Samuel, but if the asking price is only a fifth-round pick, then why aren't more teams making a play for his services? If nothing else comes up, Samuel will be in a new bird's nest down in ATL.

Osi Umenyiora

With the emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul, Umenyiora has become expendable. Yes, the New York Giants rely on rotating defensive linemen like a Lazy Susan at the Wayan's house (there are four Damon's alone), but the fact is that Osi's high cap figure blended with not being the starter makes him extremely eligible to be sent packing.

Teams that I could see making a play for his services would have to be in a win-now mode. He has always rotated double-digit, including racking up nine sacks in only nine games played in 2011. Look for teams with a pass-rush need like the Saints, where Umenyiora's old defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo resides, or Detroit, which has a franchise tagged Cliff Avril and an aging Kyle Vanden Bosch on its starting lineup.

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis

What? A team having both of its starting defensive ends on the trading block?

It hasn't happened yet, but with the Colts' new regime transitioning to a 3-4 base defense, I doubt Freeney or Mathis want to change positions this far into their careers. In my opinion, neither of those two fit into what new coach Chuck Pagano wants to do on defense.

These two will come with a slightly higher price tag than all of the others on this list but could pay immediate dividends for a playoff-caliber team. AFC South rival Tennessee should look into a trade for either. Also, don't count out a team with multiple second- or third-round picks to scoop one of these Colts up, like a certain hooded coach who just lost his top two defensive ends this offseason.

Pierre Thomas or Chris Ivory

The Saints have about as many quality running backs on the roster as they do scandals this offseason. Mark Ingram, last year's first-round pick, and Darren Sproles, who set an NFL record for all-purpose yardage, are set in. Nowadays, a team can be set with two main running backs splitting with a scat back, third-down receiver also in the mix. 

That leaves us with Thomas and Ivory. Both have histories of injuries. Ivory started last season on the PUP list after a solid rookie campaign and Thomas has been in and out of the lineup for most of his career with the last image of him was getting knocked out cold by Donte' Whitner in the divisional playoffs.

These two won't come with a high price tag, but they could be great contributors to any team.

Felix Jones

Jones is another running back on this list that could use a change of scenery. The emergence of DeMarco Murray last year has only decreased his playing time more. Even when he is given an opportunity he has not delivered with the production you would hope to have with a former first-round pick.

Jones is a victim of his high draft slot and has been injured most of his career. He would be a great complement back if he stays healthy. Teams with big, grind-it-out backs should look into Jones for a change-of-pace back that can also help in the return game.