NFL Draft Rumors: Last-Minute Buzz Around the Biggest Storylines

Several storylines have dominated the run-up to the 2012 NFL Draft, and information is still flying fast and furious around three spots in Thursday night's event. 

Here is the latest buzz surrounding the hot topics in this year's draft.


What will Vikings do at No. 3?

The Minnesota Vikings have long been connected to USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3. But now there has been a shift, and many—including the NFL Network's Mike Lombardi—believe the team is actually leaning towards selecting LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. 

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills would like to trade up from the No. 10 spot to grab Kalil and are willing to part with their second-round pick to get a deal done. In addition to that, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are said to be considering a move from No. 5 to No. 3 in order to ensure they can land Alabama running back Trent Richardson. That would likely leave the Browns in a position to take Claiborne, Kalil or Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon.

Got all of that?

Minnesota has a total of six games each season against Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler, so I understand why landing a potential shutdown corner is important. That said, I have Kalil graded out as the second-best player in this draft. The only reason he is actually behind Andrew Luck is because of the relative value a quarterback brings. 

Kalil is a perennial Pro Bowler in the making, and he would be the smart pick for the Vikings.

Browns down to two at No. 4

According to ESPN's Bob Holtzman, the Cleveland Browns have narrowed their choices at No. 4 to two players: Trent Richardson and Morris Claiborne. If Holtzman is correct, that means Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon and Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill have been eliminated from consideration.

The Browns lost running back Peyton Hills to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency and don't currently have anyone on their roster capable of being a true No. 1, every-down running back. Richardson can be that guy immediately. 

Cleveland has a reasonably solid defense, but the team's offense is just plain awful. Richardson would instantly improve that unit far more than Claiborne would improve the team's defense. The Alabama product is the rare running back that is absolutely worth a top-five pick. He is an elite talent who should be one of the NFL's best running backs within three years.

This really should be a no-brainer for the Browns.

Dolphins owner pushing for a quarterback

Yahoo Sports' Jason Cole is reporting that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is putting serious pressure on general manager Jeff Ireland to land a quarterback near the top of this year's draft. Cole suggests that if Ireland doesn't get that done, he will be out of a job in a year. 

After missing out on Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn and Alex Smith in free agency, the Dolphins need to find a quarterback to build around long-term. ESPN's Chris Mortensen went on Mike & Mike in the Morning on Thursday and claimed he believed Miami would select Ryan Tannehill at No. 8. 

At this point, that solution makes the most sense. Tannehill is raw and probably won't see the field as a rookie, and I do believe his stock has become inflated. But the kid's upside is undeniable and he has the chance to be special if Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin can develop him.

All signs point to Miami finally getting its quarterback of the future Thursday night.