The Point Spread Column

By: Bob Johnson   Date: April 22, 2006

The latest on the Cowboys is this: They have filled their major needs through free agency. They were very active there as opposed to 2 years ago. So, now they have the luxury of taking the best player available in the draft. However, they want to replace a 4th round pick they lost last year, so they likely will trade down. They won't trade up unless someone really special is still on the board near their spot. But, it is unlikely. If USC tackle Winston Justice or Texas safety Michael Huff drop to within 3 picks of Dallas, then they would consider trading up. They are more likely to trade DOWN. They are likely going to draft a defensive player. Those mentioned are N. C. State LB Manny Lawson, Tennessee safety Jason Allen, Ohio St. safety Donte Whitner, Ohio St. LB Bobby Carpenter. Because there are so many choices, many good players will be available later in the 1st or early in the second round, so it is more probable to take the value of trading down and get an extra pick.