2012 NFL Draft: Pre-1st round news and notes

Clarence E. Hill of the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that the Dallas Cowboys have narrowed their choices down to four players: Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, Stanford guard David DeCastro, Alabama safety Mark Barron and LSU defensive end Michael Brockers. DeCastro and Brockers in particular have been mocked to the Cowboys most of the offseason. But of late, Barron has been the pick of choice for Dallas. The Cowboys, who hold the No. 14 pick may have to trade up for Barron.

The Buffalo Bills want Southern California offensive tackle Matt Kalil. The Buffalo News notes the Bills have a "good chance" to trade up to No. 3 to select Kalil. Charlie Casserly of NFL Network said the Bills would give the Minnesota Vikings picks No. 10 and 41 for No. 3. But that doesn't seem like quite enough.

Bob Holtzman of ESPN noted this morning that the Browns have narrowed their choices down to running back Trent Richardson and cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that the Bengals may be interested in trading up to pick No. 12 to select Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly.

The Charlotte Observer reports that if wide receiver Justin Blackmon happens to be around at pick No. 9, the Panthers are expected to pounce.