NFL Draft 2012: Top 5 Teams Who Could Make A Big Trade

With all the trade scenarios I have considered in my various trade mocks, I’ve developed a number of theories as to who could make trades on draft day. Here’s a few of the teams I think could make the big move we all talk about.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have a bunch of needs but some are blatantly obvious. One of these is the offensive line. With the Minnesota Vikings shopping around their pick, it wouldn’t surprise me if Arizona made a play at Matt Kalil. If they were to offer their first round pick next year and maybe a second or a third round pick this year, they could get it done. The other possibility is that the Cards trade up for a wide receiver. There a good chance that they miss out on both Blackmon and Floyd at their current draft position so if they see an opportunity to take one of these players between picks 7 and 10 then this is also possible.

New York Jets

The Jets have made it clear that they still want to be a ground and pound offense but have lacked the ability to do so the past couple of years as Shonn Greene looks like he’ll never be that guy. Again, we look to the Minnesota Vikings at 3 as a possible trading partner for the Jets to trade up but this time it’s for Trent Richardson. Similar to a possible deal with Arizona, an offer of a 2013 first round pick and a second or third from this year could get the deal done. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see them trade up to ensure they get Mark Barron as safety is an area of major concern. Melvin Ingram is also a possible trade target and there is plenty of chatter out there to suggest he is coveted by Jets head coach Rex Ryan.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers have a bunch of needs all over the park but the one thing they are missing overall is elite talent. Most importantly, the Chargers have a management and coaching staff who all know their jobs are on the line and know without a big year they’re done. This makes the Chargers a prime candidate to attempt a big move and possibly overpay to go get a top player. Four players spring to mind as targets – Matt Kalil, Justin Blackmon, Trent Richardson and Morris Claiborne. Kalil – the Chargers have Gaither but would be much more comfortable with him at right tackle than left. Blackmon – some nice names in the Chargers wide receiver corps but no elite targets aside from the oft injured Antonio Gates. Trent Richardson – Ryan Mathews is coming along but may not be an every down player and Richardson is as elite as they come with running back talent. Claiborne – San Diego’s secondary is a mess and the addition of an elite corner like Claiborne would instantly help them in a division that just added Peyton Manning.

Chicago Bears

This team is one who would make a less sensational move but still one that would require a lot of capital. The Bears require more pass rush to allow their defense to be as dominant as they have been in the past. Trading up to between 6-10 to draft a Melvin Ingram, Quentin Coples of Fletcher Cox would make a lot of sense depending on what the price was.

Dallas Cowboys

Depending on who you believe, Dallas is either on the verge of collapse or a couple of good players away from rising back to the top. There’s been talk that they could make a minor move to secure any of Melvin Ingram, Quentin Coples, Mark Barron, Stephon Gilmore or Fletcher Cox. However, there is a much bigger name earlier in the draft who would instantly revitalise their defense – Morris Claiborne. The defense of Rob Ryan has struggled primarily because they haven’t been able to cover receivers very well. They made a nice addition by getting Brandon Carr in free agency but ideally they need another top cornerback and for the right price Morris Claiborne would be well worth a look. Another possibility but much slimmer is to go and get Matt Kalil. Doug Free is still rather questionable even as a right tackle so if the Cowboys could get Kalil they could then have their other recent first round tackle Tyron Smith play on the right and their offensive line may finally be tight enough to give Tony Romo the protection he needs.

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Some interesting possibilities there. As always, tweet your opinions to me @chrissmithsz or as always you can leave a comment below.

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