NFL Trade Speculation: 3 GMs with the Quickest Triggers in the NFL Today

As 2011 NFL mock drafts flood the Internet, experts and fans alike have moved beyond predicting draft choices to the next inevitable step: predicting trades.

Every draft comes with its fair share of trades between teams and this year will no doubt be the same.

With less than two weeks remaining until the draft, however, a new wrinkle has appeared that teams will be forced to work around.

With no labor agreement in place between the NFL and the NFLPA, teams' draft trades will be limited to draft picks only. No current NFL players can be traded, severely limiting the spectrum of trades from what has been available in past seasons.

In fact, 44 trades in the 2010 NFL Draft would be disallowed if they were to take place in the current labor situation. If a labor agreement is not reached by April 28, teams will only be able to trade draft picks amongst teams—a limitation that will severely affect the draft plans of several NFL general managers.

This, of course, will not stop those general managers from attempting to make their mark on the 2011 NFL Draft.

Three general managers, in particular, will look to build on their reputation as draft trade gurus.

Brian Xanders, Denver Broncos

Since taking over for general manger of the Denver Broncos in 2009, Xanders has made countless trades during the draft.

The 2009 season saw Xanders participate in several trades in the first two rounds and last season saw Xanders participate in three trades in the first round alone.

This season, Xanders has plenty to work with. He will come into the draft with the No. 2 pick overall as well as to picks in the second round.

With several gaps on both sides of the ball, Xanders will be looking to get the most out of these draft picks, possibly trading his first-round draft pick for an opportunity to gain multiple players that can make an impact for the Broncos.

Nick Caserio, New England Patriots

While not technically a general manager for the New England Patriots, Nick Caserio, along with Bill Belichick, has been involved in six first-round trades, including five in the last two years—his first two at the helm of the New England Patriots as director of player personnel.

While the Patriots may not seem to be in need of improvement after 2010 with a 14-2 record, Caserio consistently has the Patriots scouring the draft board for potential trades.

He will have plenty to work with, going into the draft with two first-round and two second-round picks, helping to keep their string of successes going through the 2011 season.

Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys

When it comes to draft trades, Jones always seems to be on the lookout for a trade he likes.

In the last two seasons, Jones has traded three picks for wide receiver Roy Williams, as well as trading up last draft to pick another flashy wide receiver in Dez Bryant.

There is not doubting that Jones will be actively seeking trades with several positions to fill for the 2011 season and beyond. With the ninth pick in the draft, Jones might trade down, hoping to get more bang for his buck by receiving several picks in return.

All things considered, the lack of a labor agreement looks like it could create an interesting trading atmosphere for teams during the draft.

One thing that is for sure, though: These general managers will not be sitting on the sidelines hoping for a pick they like.