The Minnesota Vikings were going to pick USC Tackle Matt Kahlil with the 3rd pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Cleveland Browns, holding the 4th pick, feared another team moving into deal with the Vikings, so the Browns beat those teams to the punch. The Browns sent three mid to late round draft picks to Minnesota for the right to pick Alabama running back Trent Richardson.
The Browns get their guy and the Vikings got there, plus three additional picks. If Minnesota gets even one of those three extra picks to make their team and contribute, they win. An easy choice for the Vikings.
It was the first of three trades in the first six picks in the draft. Jacksonville moved into the five-spot with Tampa Bay dropping back to number 7. Dallas moved into the six spot, trading with the St. Louis Rams. St. Louis drops back to 14 but acquire a second round pick from the Cowboys. Dallas picked up LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.
Other NFC North teams, Chicago has the 19th overall pick, Detroit is at number 23 and the Green Bay Packers at number 28.
By the way, Miami, coached by former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, picked QB Ryan Tannehill from Texas A & M with the 8th pick in the first round.