In conversations with several general managers before the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft on Thursday night, it's becoming clear that there is no shortage of top-10 teams exploring options to trade down.
The Denver Broncos (who pick second), Cincinnati Bengals (fourth), Arizona Cardinals (fifth), Cleveland Browns (sixth) and San Francisco 49ers (seventh) have been mentioned by GMs as teams that could trade down if possible.
The Atlanta Falcons are one team looking to move up, according to NFL Network and FOX Sports analyst Jay Glazer.
The Falcons are trying to move into the top seven to draft a wide receiver -- either A.J. Green of Georgia or Julio Jones of Alabama -- or LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.
If the 49ers stay put at No. 7, there is growing speculation that they will select Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert if he's still on the board.
Several team executives said Thursday this scenario looks increasingly likely, and that allure to take Gabbert would be significant.
A source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Network's Stacey Dales that the Patriots are not among the teams looking to move up into the top 10. Despite reported rumors, New England, which holds the 17th and 28th picks in the first round, are not talking with Cleveland about moving into the sixth spot. The source also said there is "no chance" the Patriots will trade with the Cowboys to move into the ninth spot to take California defensive end Cam Jordan.
