Cowboys owner savors art of deal
Jones relishes possibility of trade of team's picks to get veteran WR
By TOM ORSBORN
San Antonio Express-news
IRVING — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones readily admits the NFL draft brings out the wheeler-dealer in him.
"I came from a background of trading before I was ever involved in the NFL," said Jones, who amassed his fortune taking risks in the oil business. "I got here by trading and by trying to increase value from where you are today, so it is very tempting for me to take where we are and make more value from it by trading up or down."
With the Nos. 22 and 28 picks in his grasp, Jones could be a major player in the first round today, especially with the Cowboys in the market for a veteran receiver. The Cowboys got the extra first-round pick (No. 22) in a draft-day trade with Cleveland last year.
"I do like our spot," said Jones, who will participate in his 20th draft and second with the defensive-minded Wade Phillips as the team's coach. "I can't think of a time I've ever liked it better."
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Talks for receivers held
Since Jones bought the team in 1989, the Cowboys have made 45 draft-day trades, including a 2000 blockbuster that saw them send their first-round pick that year along with their first-round choice in 2001 to Seattle for receiver Joey Galloway.
Could Jones be considering a similar deal for a wideout?
Tuesday, Jones admitted he had contacted a team about the availability of its star receiver. Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Detroit's Roy Williams and Arizona's Anquan Boldin are the likely suspects, although those teams have said they aren't willing to deal.
But Jones suggested things could change if there is a player one of those clubs covets available when the Cowboys are on the clock in the first round.
"On the clock during draft day is an important time to get the most value for a veteran player," Jones said. "If I'm the team that's got the player, my best time to move is right then. And the minute the draft is over, picks don't have anywhere near the value and everyone's protecting the players they've got."
Jones also didn't rule out trading to get into the top 10, although he has said repeatedly economic considerations make such a bold move unlikely.
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Top 10 move possible
"If the rewards are good enough there, I could envision a situation where it's a possibility," Jones said. "But where we are in this particular draft are good spots if we just stay right there because of the value, the hit on the cap and the fact you can get probably about as good a player right there as you can even five or six spots up or 10 back."
Trading down for more picks is a more likely scenario. Miami and Atlanta, two quarterback-hungry teams, are potential partners because both have early picks in the second round. The Cowboys could also try to recoup the fourth-round pick they sent to Tennessee as part of the trade for suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Needs include cornerback, running back and receiver.
By TOM ORSBORN
San Antonio Express-news
IRVING — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones readily admits the NFL draft brings out the wheeler-dealer in him.
"I came from a background of trading before I was ever involved in the NFL," said Jones, who amassed his fortune taking risks in the oil business. "I got here by trading and by trying to increase value from where you are today, so it is very tempting for me to take where we are and make more value from it by trading up or down."
With the Nos. 22 and 28 picks in his grasp, Jones could be a major player in the first round today, especially with the Cowboys in the market for a veteran receiver. The Cowboys got the extra first-round pick (No. 22) in a draft-day trade with Cleveland last year.
"I do like our spot," said Jones, who will participate in his 20th draft and second with the defensive-minded Wade Phillips as the team's coach. "I can't think of a time I've ever liked it better."
=========
Talks for receivers held
Since Jones bought the team in 1989, the Cowboys have made 45 draft-day trades, including a 2000 blockbuster that saw them send their first-round pick that year along with their first-round choice in 2001 to Seattle for receiver Joey Galloway.
Could Jones be considering a similar deal for a wideout?
Tuesday, Jones admitted he had contacted a team about the availability of its star receiver. Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Detroit's Roy Williams and Arizona's Anquan Boldin are the likely suspects, although those teams have said they aren't willing to deal.
But Jones suggested things could change if there is a player one of those clubs covets available when the Cowboys are on the clock in the first round.
"On the clock during draft day is an important time to get the most value for a veteran player," Jones said. "If I'm the team that's got the player, my best time to move is right then. And the minute the draft is over, picks don't have anywhere near the value and everyone's protecting the players they've got."
Jones also didn't rule out trading to get into the top 10, although he has said repeatedly economic considerations make such a bold move unlikely.
=========
Top 10 move possible
"If the rewards are good enough there, I could envision a situation where it's a possibility," Jones said. "But where we are in this particular draft are good spots if we just stay right there because of the value, the hit on the cap and the fact you can get probably about as good a player right there as you can even five or six spots up or 10 back."
Trading down for more picks is a more likely scenario. Miami and Atlanta, two quarterback-hungry teams, are potential partners because both have early picks in the second round. The Cowboys could also try to recoup the fourth-round pick they sent to Tennessee as part of the trade for suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Needs include cornerback, running back and receiver.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:35 AM
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