NFL Draft Order 2012: Teams That Must Trade Up to Fill Needs

With the new slotting system for NFL draft picks, moving up is as easy to do as ever.

Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli talks about the different approach teams will be taking toward the 2012 draft (via USA Today):

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I definitely think there'll be some different dynamics. The past couple of years, teams wanted to get out of those top picks. Teams wanted out and no one wanted in. With that stabilizing, I think there'll be more teams desiring to move. I mean, we've already had a trade.

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That trade was between the Washington Redskins and St. Louis Rams, where three picks were exchanged in return for the ‘Skins to move up to No. 2 so they could select Robert Griffin III.

So when the festivities kickoff Thursday night, expect these three teams to be actively shopping to upgrade their position in the draft.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns will likely use their first pick in Round 1 on Trent Richardson, a very necessary move.

But with the 22nd and 37^th picks, they can parlay that into a pick in the 13-20 range to land a quarterback. Will Ryan Tannehill be available? Do they feel that Brandon Weeden may go before they pick at No. 22?

The Browns need to get a QB early, and, historically, you have to overpay significantly to get him. Cleveland is one of the few teams with the picks to do it.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are in desperate need of getting some young talent on the defensive side of the ball, and trading up to acquire cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick would be an outstanding move. With the Bengals holding both the 17^th and 21^st picks, swapping with Cincinnati could ensure they get Kirkpatrick, DE/LB Courtney Upshaw, or CB Stephon Gilmore.

The Ravens are always one of the savviest teams when it comes to the draft, and taking advantage of the new rules sounds right up their alley.

Detroit Lions

One of the fastest risers up the board is Alabama safety Mark Barron, a player that could transform the secondary right away. It’s the one weakness the Lions have on defense, and the general consensus is that Barron can be a star right off the bat.

Sacrificing their first, second and third in exchange for Barron is well worth the price of admission for a team that is on the cusp of greatness. 

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