NFL Draft Rumors: Buccaneers Trading for Trent Richardson Would Be a Mistake

There is a lot of drama starting with the third overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should avoid the issue by staying where they are.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com reported that the Bucs are considering trading up two spots to acquire Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

This would allow the team to jump the Cleveland Browns, a projected landing spot for Richardson, and select the running back with the No. 3 overall pick.

Based on the Minnesota Vikings' latest trade rumors to move back to the No. 10 pick, it would not cost more than one second-round pick, and most likely less than that.

However, this would still be too risky of a move based on the other talent that could be available in the draft.

Tampa Bay is in a unique position to select one of three talented players that would all have an instant impact on the team.

Either Richardson, USC lineman Matt Kalil or LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne will fall to No. 5. Any one of these athletes would benefit the Bucs, as they are the best prospect at their position.

Claiborne would be a long-term solution in the defensive secondary and should help a unit that gave up the most points in the NFL last season. His size and athleticism can help shut down bigger receivers, and he is a turnover machine.

In a division that includes quarterbacks Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton, they need all the help they can get.

If somehow Claiborne is taken earlier, Kalil would also be a terrific addition.

The former USC Trojan could protect the blind side of franchise quarterback Josh Freeman and help improve last season's struggling run offense.

In fact, Richardson might be the least valuable of the three players. Still, he would be quite the selection if he falls to No. 5.

Tampa Bay is in a great situation right now. The only way the front office can mess it up is by making a trade.