NFL Draft Order 2012: Teams That Must Strongly Consider Trading Down

It's reasonable to suspect that trades will occur during the NFL draft as we've seen it before. 2012 will not be any different and with the available talent combined with the order of selections, there are teams that must strongly consider the option.

The New England Patriots, for one, can do so, because with two first-round picks Bill Belichick and co. have more directions to work with.

In addition to the Pats, here are some other teams that must look into trading down as well.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Sitting with the No. 7 overall selection, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a number of choices. Obviously the first is completing the offensive weaponry to accommodate the skill set of Maurice Jones-Drew, or look to add a pass-rusher.

Thing is, Jacksonville finished 2011 with a top 10 defense against the run and pass, so going with the dark side isn't really needed. Offensively, the Jags ranked dead last in passing and despite the improved receiving corps, Blaine Gabbert needs one more target to line up out wide.

Trading down however, is a great idea because Jacksonville could potentially get two future first-rounders and a second-rounder on top of swapping in 2012. Already fielding a top 10 defense and an enhanced offense, the Jags would be elite for a longer period with more top selections.

Miami Dolphins

Depending on how many teams are interested in Ryan Tannehill will influence Miami's value of trading down.

The Dolphins clearly could use Tannehill to compete with Matt Moore as the future under center, but holding the No. 8 overall selection warrants a solid deal as well. Miami could get something similar to Jacksonville with two future first-rounders and a second-rounder, and still improve later in Round 1 of 2012.

Arguably more than anything the Dolphins need an upgraded offensive line. Allowing 52 sacks in 2012 along with a ground game that came on late, trading down to stock up and then snag a lineman like David DeCastro immediately saves for a better long-term future.

Moore also proved he deserves a shot to start this season and he'll only continue to produce with a line that paves better running lanes for Reggie Bush.

Dallas Cowboys

With DeMarcus Ware still doing work on the outside, the Dallas Cowboys don't immediately need to get him a complement pass-rusher in the front seven.

Now a guy like Quinton Coples surely would present a great duo opposite Ware, but considering the improved secondary Big D can make longer strides toward winning the division by trading down.

Currently holding the No. 14 overall picks, Dallas would likely get an additional future first-rounder and potentially a second-rounder from this season. Obviously a lot depends on which franchise Dallas would tango with, but nonetheless, the Cowboys are sitting well for 2012 right now.

Another cornerback wouldn't hurt; however, it's also the deepest position in the draft so the middle rounds will suffice there. If Dallas gets a future first-rounder though, just imagine how great Big D can be in 2013 and beyond.

New England Patriots

The Pats are an interesting bunch, because with two first-rounders New England has the ammo to trade down or up.

The good news though, is that the offense is overloaded with talent and the defense has just a few small fixes. Upgrading the pass rush is a must as well as finding a safety that can play over the top over the corners.

Kyle Arrington and Devin McCourty are reliable defenders and just imagine how much more the Pats can stock up by moving down. Although the safety position isn't too deep, there are plenty of solid pass-rushers to consider in the middle rounds.

Not to mention, but New England would simply be adding a future first-rounder for 2013 and/or 2014. Hence, more picks to work with in order to remain the standard in the AFC.

John Rozum on Twitter.