For every blockbuster draft day trade like the 2011 deal between the Falcons and Browns that resulted in Atlantas acquisition of wide receiver Julio Jones in exchange for five draft picks, there are countless other transactions that fly below the radar.

Take for example the 2010 trade in which the Patriots sent the 44th and 190th selections to the Raiders for Oaklands pick at No. 42. This move drew very little interest because at its core, it really only involved a sixth-round pick in exchange for the right to move up two spots. Small potatoes, right?

If not for some quick thinking on the part of New England, Gronkowski could be a member of the Ravens right now.

Wrong.

That trade allowed the Patriots to leapfrog the Baltimore Ravenswho were sitting at No. 43 and in the market for a tight endand draft a guy from the University of Arizona named Rob Gronkowski.

With an allotment of only ten minutes to make their selections during the first round, seven minutes for the second round and five minutes for rounds three through seven, NFL front offices need to be overly prepared and ready to act fast. Thats because those with the ability to operate well under pressure can end up turning a relatively insignificant transaction into an investment that pays off big dividends.

To gain a better understanding of the draft day trade process, I spoke with NFL front office veteran Tim Ruskellwho has been involved in 25 NFL draftson Tuesday for a crash course in the art of the draft day trade. Ruskell spent five years as the general manager of the Seattle Seahawks (2005-2009) before serving as the director of player personnel for the Chicago Bears from 2010-2012.

THE DRAFT ROOM

Each team has its own specific game plan for how to approach the three-day draft, but for the most part, the key players seated at the head table who are involved in the decision making process remain the same.

In most instances its your general manager, head coach, salary cap guy and whoever is running your personnel department, said Ruskell. But its different on every team. Sometimes the owner is in the room if hes the one driving the train. But theres one decision maker on every team who is in charge of running the draft and making the final decision. That guy is going to have the final say. But he may want to hear what the others think and typically, he would.

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Anatomy of a draft day trade