NFL Exec: 'Half of the teams in the top 10 are trying to trade out'

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman made waves a few days ago when he commented that he'd be willing to make a trade out of the No. 3 overall pick while his team was on the clock. While last moment deals are common over the course of the NFL draft, don't fool yourself into thinking that these deals aren't being discussed long before the curtains are raised at Radio City Music Hall. In fact, one NFL executive told me to anticipate plenty of fireworks as "half of the teams in the top 10 are trying to trade out."

Of course, the biggest trade is the one that was already made when the Washington Redskins dealt three first round picks to the St. Louis Rams to position themselves at pick No. 2 to land Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III. Of course, it is widely assumed that the Indianapolis Colts will take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick.

With the Cleveland Browns, owners of the fourth overall pick, thought to be strongly considering taking Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Spielman has let it be known that the No. 3 pick is available to any team that wants to come get him before Cleveland.

The Browns have publicly stated that they will not trade up in this year's draft, but that may not stop them from moving down.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 5) and the Miami Dolphins (No. 8) appear to be especially likely to consider trading down due to the number of holes on their current roster as well as the fact that each club is now operating under a new head coach.

Likewise, the Buffalo Bills, owners of the 10th overall pick have a clear need at offensive tackle but many feel that anyone other than USC left tackle Matt Kalil would be a reach at this spot. Kalil is widely expected to be Minnesota's choice at No. 3... assuming the Vikings remain there, that is.

Buckle up, NFL draft fans... It is almost here...