NFL Draft Order 2012: Teams That Can Trade Down and Still Land Perfect Fit

One of the best parts of the NFL draft are all the trades—either rumored or actual—that will shift the entire night. Some teams have big needs to fill, but where they are picking does not provide good value, so they feel a need to move. 

The smart teams understand that drafting is not all about filling needs. It is about getting the most bang for your buck. That is why we see a team like Washington give up three first-round picks to acquire the second pick, because they have a premium price on the No. 2 pick and Robert Griffin III. 

Here are teams that can trade down in the first round and not worry about missing out on the perfect player to fill their biggest need. 

Miami Dolphins (No. 8 Overall Pick)

It is safe to say that with just one day to go before the first round kicks off, we have no idea what the Dolphins are thinking. Ryan Tannehill has star upside at the quarterback position, but doesn't have a long track record of success at Texas A&M. 

If the Dolphins want Tannehill, there is no reason to think they can't trade down to get him. Everyone around Miami is set at the quarterback position, at least for one more year, so there is no reason the Dolphins shouldn't at least shop the pick to see if they can get good value. 

Even if Tannehill doesn't turn out to be the pick, this team has so many holes to fill—especially at wide receiver and on the defensive line—that it has to explore all options right now. 

Carolina Panthers (No. 9 Overall Pick)

The Panthers' biggest needs are at linebacker and defensive tackle. They are fortunate because this draft is loaded with high-upside tackles and the teams picking ahead of them aren't likely to go after the players they need. 

And with Dontari Poe, Michael Brockers, Fletcher Cox and Luke Kuechly likely all being available when the Panthers select, they could capitalize on a team's desperation to acquire more picks, possibly in the first or second round and still get one of the players they need. 

It is a great time to be a Panthers fan and this draft is going to be the stepping stone towards them getting back into playoff contention. 

Denver Broncos (No. 25 Overall Pick)

With Peyton Manning in the fold, there could be an outcry of support for the Broncos to go after a wide receiver or tight end. There are some solid players who will be available to them at this spot—like Kendall Wright, Stephen Hill, Alshon Jeffery and Coby Fleener—but they have other areas to fill first. 

Defensive tackle is by far the biggest weakness for this team. They have the pass-rushers off the edge with Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, but there is no one up the middle to stop the run. 

It would be a surprise if Michael Brockers, Dontari Poe and/or Fletcher Cox were available at this spot, so to get the best value the Broncos should look to move down and go after someone like Kendall Reyes or Jerel Worthy. 

2012 NFL DRAFT ORDER
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Washington Redskins
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Cleveland Browns
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6. St. Louis Rams
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
8. Miami Dolphins
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Buffalo Bills
11. Kansas City Chiefs
12. Seattle Seahawks
13. Arizona Cardinals
14. Dallas Cowboys
15. Philadelphia Eagles
16. New York Jets
17. Cincinnati Bengals
18. San Diego Chargers
19. Chicago Bears
20. Tennessee Titans
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Cleveland Browns
23. Detroit Lions
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
25. Denver Broncos
26. Houston Texans
27. New England Patriots
28. Green Bay Packers
29. Baltimore Ravens
30. San Francisco 49ers
31. New England Patriots
32. New York Giants

Follow @adamwells1985