Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Teams that could trade up in the NFL Draft

Every year teams move up in the draft to get players they want. Most of the time it's after a player that they really want and don't think they can get at their current position. Sometimes it's to jump another team. Heck this year we already saw Washington trade up to the #2 spot so they could get Robert Griffin. But we all know that the Washington trade won't be the only one. Here is a look at 5 teams that very well could move up in the draft.

St. Louis Rams
Currently Pick: #6
Yes, the team that moved down from #2 to #6 in the RG3 trade could move back up. Why you may ask? Well they are hoping to land either Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne. Anything besides one of those two players will be a failure for the Rams. The problem they have is that Cleveland and Tampa Bay both could go with those players. This would be worst case scenario for the Rams because they'll be stuck with the top rated players available at areas that aren't strengths. Because of that the Rams could feel the need to move up to guarantee them either Blackmon or Claiborne.
Potential Trade Partner: Cleveland

Jacksonville Jaguars
Current Pick: #7
It's clear that Jacksonville needs help at WR. They signed Laurent Robinson, but he isn't close to a #1 caliber WR. Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd are two receivers in this draft that can be #1 WRs. Blackmon would be the goal, but he's likely going to be gone by at worst #6. One pick ahead of them. The problem with Floyd is that he isn't worth the value at #7. Jacksonville could reach for Floyd, or trade down and take him. But they could do something they haven't done in a while. Move up to get the top WR in the draft and draft Justin Blackmon. They'd have to move up to #3 or #4 to get him, but that isn't so far.
Potential Trade Partner: Minnesota or Cleveland

Miami Dolphins
Current Pick: #8
The Dolphins haven't had a franchise QB since Dan Marino. Going into this off season it looked like they were primed and ready to get somebody. Instead they whiffed. They missed out on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. They also missed out on guys like Kyle Orton and Jason Campbell who took backup spots. Washington made the deal with St. Louis to move up and get the #2 spot. The only other thing the Dolphins could do is draft Ryan Tannehill. I don't see Tannehill as a top 10, let alone a 1st round pick. But QBs are overvalued and Tannehill's former college HC Mike Sherman is the Dolphins new OC. So look for them to go after him. Only thing that stands in their way is the potential for Cleveland to draft him. I don't see it, but you never know. And if Miami think they could they might have to do all they can to move up ahead of them to make sure they get the player they want.
Potential Trade Partner: Minnesota Vikings

Philadelphia Eagles
Current Pick: 15
Philly wasn't thought to do much trading up this year, but with the recent injury to Jason Peters, they are in desperate need for somebody at LT. They've hosted Marcus McNeill and Demetrius Bell, but only Bell would be a quality replacement. The problem is that Bell is being courted by many teams and it isn't a lock for him to the Eagles. If they are unable to get Bell they need to get somebody. That somebody should be Riley Reiff. Reiff fits the Eagles very well. He'd fit their Zone Blocking Scheme and is a good pass blocker. And we all know Andy Reid loves to pass block. Reiff would be able to fill in at LT and then move to RT (which is an area of need also) when Peters comes back the following year. To get Reiff they might have to move to #9 to get ahead of the Bills (if they lose Bell) or ahead of Arizona who is also looking for offensive line help.
Potential Trade Partner: Carolina and Seattle

Chicago Bears
Current Pick: #19
I don't see the Bears as a team that is necessarily looking to move up, but if David DeCastro falls a little bit, I could really see the Bears moving up to go after him. DeCastro is a physical beast who is an excellent run blocker. That is exactly what new OC Mike Tice wants out of his offense and run game. The Bears have some OK players at guard, but definitely not anybody that is considered a Pro Bowler. If DeCastro falls past the Cowboys at #14 the Bears could would have to move up ahead of the Jets, Bengals, and Chargers to get him. By adding him the Bears could really do wonders for an offensive line that has been below average for the past three years.
Potential Trade Partner: Philadelphia and New York Jets

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