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Thursday, April 17, 1997

Cowboys may trade away first-round draft pick, Jones says

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says chances are 3 to 1 that Dallas will trade out of the first round of the NFL draft for the fourth time in five years.

He said Wednesday he has spoken with 10 teams about moving up in the draft and expects to talk with every club before Saturday.

Jones cited the salary cap and a lack of potential starters in the first round of this weekend's draft. He said he'd like to trade the team's 25th overall selection for picks in the second and middle rounds.

The 25th spot is the Cowboys' highest draft spot since 1992, when they moved up to acquire cornerback Kevin Smith at No. 17.

"It's difficult to see a first-rounder worth moving up for who could start for us. That's why I say there's a 75 percent chance we'll be moving out," Jones said.

He indicated the club will concentrate its efforts on free agency.

"You can take the same amount of money (for an unproven first-round pick), go out in free agency and get a starter," Jones said.

He said wide receiver and linebacker are the team's top priorities.

Although Jay Novacek is expected to retire, tight end is not high on Dallas' list, Jones said.

"We think we've got our starter at tight end in Eric Bjornson," Jones said.

Jones is the only one in the Dallas camp who's talking about draft day. Everyone else is under a strict gag order. Jones doesn't want any secrets finding their way to NFL rivals.

Pressed about the matter, personnel director Larry Lacewell coyly drew his finger across his lips like they were zipped close.

"One would assume the Cowboys could use a wide receiver, a linebacker, an offensive lineman, help in the secondary and, of course, kickers to replace punter John Jett and placekicker Chris Boniol," a questioner said.

"You may assume all of the above," Lacewell responded.

Indeed, the Cowboys are talented but depth shy. They can use help in just about every area.

They've already signed free agent kickers Richie Cunningham, Danny Kight and Marshall Young seeking a replacement for Boniol.

Dallas scouts took quarterback Troy Aikman on one of their forays to see if he saw any receivers he liked. Aikman threw to some receivers one day in California, then tackled Pebble Beach where he and Lacewell won a few bets off unsuspecting opponents.

Did Aikman find anything he liked?

"Yes," was all Lacewell would say.

Dallas does need a receiver to help take the heat off Michael Irvin.

The Cowboys drafted Stepfret Williams last year and he wasn't much help. He wasn't a disciplined route runner and his hands left something to be desired.

Deion Sanders was a bust as a receiver, catching only one touchdown pass and driving Aikman to distraction with his poor routes.

Sanders will be only used as a spot receiver this year because he'll miss training camp as he tries to revive his baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds. Aikman would love to have Alvin Harper back if he gets cut by Tampa Bay.

Look for the Cowboys to sign a veteran receiver if they can't find one in the draft.

They also will have to sign another linebacker because of the possible losses of Darrin Smith and Jim Schwantz to free agency.