NFL Draft Rumors: Latest Draft-Day Buzz from Around the League

With the 2012 NFL draft just hours away, we break down the latest buzz and rumors from around the league, including a trade for the Cleveland Browns to get Brandon Weeden, who the Minnesota Vikings are setting their sights on at No. 3 overall, and what the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys are thinking with their first-round picks. 

Hypothetical Browns Trade?

With three picks in the top-40 selections, the Cleveland Browns are in a solid position to remake their football team during the 2012 draft.

According to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, however, Cleveland may not be satisfied with just the No. 4, 22 and 37 picks. A move back into the first round from 37 could be in the cards if Oklahoma State's Weeden is still available. 

"

If the Browns want to get a jump on anyone thinking about leaping to the top of the second round Friday, they could go ahead and do business with Bill Belichick, who is always looking to deal, at No. 31 and get their quarterback. The Browns' dream scenario would allow them to take a WR, RB and QB with their top three picks. A year ago GM Tom Heckert did some excellent wheeling and dealing. Maybe he can do it again.

"

The Browns would rather stay put at No. 37 and still have the opportunity to take Weeden, but it's possible a team at the start of the second round could force Cleveland to make the move.

A move from 37 to 31 wouldn't likely cost anything more than a third- or fourth-round pick, a price that could be worth it if the Browns think Weeden can be their franchise quarterback long-term. 

Vikings Set on Claiborne?

For months, the Minnesota Vikings were mocked USC left tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3 overall. It appears now that Minnesota will go the route of LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne at that spot if a trade down fails to materialize. 

"Minnesota seems focused on Claiborne and getting a tackle in the second round," tweeted NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, a former NFL decision maker. "Not sure I agree."

There are compelling arguments for both Kalil and Claiborne, but Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier—a former NFL defensive back and secondary coach—is likely pushing hard for the draft's top corner. It would be hard to blame Frazier as a head coach in the NFC North, a division that features elite receivers such as Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings and Brandon Marshall. 

Jets to Avoid Upshaw?

According to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, the Jets will not use the No. 16 overall pick on Alabama linebacker/defensive end Courtney Upshaw. 

"Also, lots of speculation about #Jets taking outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw at 16," Cimini tweeted. "Not happening, not at 16."

Cimini's tweet leaves the possibility of the Jets trading down from No. 16 and getting Upshaw later in the first round. However, New York remains likely to have the kind of explosive pass-rusher—such as Chandler Jones of Syracuse, Melvin Ingram of South Carolina or Shea McClellin of Boise State—available to them without moving up or down. 

Expect the Jets to find a first-round pass-rusher somehow, but Upshaw doesn't look like the name GM Mike Tannenbaum will be sending to the podium. 

Cowboys to Trade Down, Take Hightower?

The Cowboys have been tied to Alabama safety Mark Barron for many weeks now, but the team could be looking to move down in the first round if Barron is off the board at No. 14 overall. If that occurs, Dallas may target linebacker Dont'a Hightower, Barron's teammate at Alabama.

From Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas:

"

If Barron and other targets are gone, Jerry Jones could attempt to trade down, gaining extra picks to move toward the bottom of the first round. In that scenario, there is a strong possibility that the Cowboys could target the fourth potential first-round pick from the Crimson Tide’s top-ranked, national-title defense: linebacker Dont’a Hightower.

"

The Cowboys have a long-term starter in Sean Lee inside and are confident in Bruce Carter, but Hightower would likely be used as a pass-rushing outside linebacker in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense. He should have the measurables and experience to rush the passer from that position in the NFL.

A likely trade-down partner could be the San Diego Chargers, who are always looking to move up and currently hold the No. 18 pick.