2012 NFL Draft Order: NY Jets and Teams in Need of Spark That Must Trade Up

The New York Jets are rumored—and I use that term begrudgingly this time of year—to have an interest in moving up in the 2012 NFL draft to select Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

While it may be unlikely that the Jets actually pull off such a deal, New York remains a team that could use the spark a trade up in the draft would provide. 

Selecting Richardson could help reignite what is the dying embers of the Jets' former running game. 

Just a year removed from finishing in the NFL's top five in rushing yards, and two years after leading the league on the ground, New York finished a paltry 22nd last season. A big reason for that dropoff was the Jets' lack of commitment to the running game in 2011, but a 3.8 yards-per-carry average was also to blame. 

Moving up to get Richardson—arguably the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson in 2007—could do wonders for fixing both problems next season. Not only would the Jets be committing to running the football more, but they'd also be getting a superior running talent in Richardson.

Shonn Greene, who many thought could take over as the Jets' bell cow, has struggled to maintain New York's edge on the ground. New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano would certainly find ways to feed the two backs and keep pressure off the shoulders of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.

If Richardson could help get the Jets back near the top of the NFL in rushing, it's possible the success Rex Ryan had in his first two years in New York would return, too. 

And even if the Jets shied away from making a huge move up to get Richardson, slotting up a few spots could help New York snag a top-level pass-rusher or receiver inside the top 10. Either way, moving up from No. 16 looks like a smart move if the Jets think they can get an impact player the team otherwise couldn't in the middle of the first round. 

Here are four other teams that would receive a spark from a trade up:

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have no reason to move up from No. 4 overall, but vice president Mike Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert could be in the market to jump a few slots from No. 22 or 37 overall.

Seeing a receiver, offensive tackle or defensive end that falls and fits what the Browns are looking for could be all the motivation needed for Cleveland to make a move up. Remember, the Browns have a league-high 13 picks to play with in this draft.

Green Bay Packers

You could argue that the Packers are a pass-rusher or two away from getting to another Super Bowl, but finding those kind of players isn't easy to do. In some situations, like the one GM Ted Thompson faced in 2009, you have to move up to get a player you need.

If Thompson sees an impact pass-rusher fall like Matthews did three years ago, don't be surprised if the typically stingy drafter packages a couple of picks to move up and get him. 

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have been linked to Alabama safety Mark Barron for a while now, but it appears as if the draft's top safety will be off the board by the time Dallas comes up at No. 14. If the Cowboys do want to add Barron, they may have to package a pick and move up.

Dallas may also be fine with taking the best player available once the 14th pick comes around, but Barron is a good fit for the secondary makeover happening in Big D. Barron and incoming free-agent cornerback Brandon Carr would certainly help the Cowboys improve on last season's bottom-third ranking in pass defense in 2012.

San Diego Chargers

GM A.J. Smith has never been shy about moving up or down in the draft, and it was rumored this week that the Chargers are enamored enough with Barron that a move up could happen. Teaming Barron with All-Pro Eric Weddle has to be a tempting opportunity for Smith and the Chargers. 

While that would be a major move up if Barron is as wanted as it seems now, there's no reason to think San Diego wouldn't entertain moving up for other players. Picking at No. 18 is typically a place where teams attempt to move up or down. 

Getting a player Smith likes earlier in the draft could help the Chargers erase a forgettable 2011 season.