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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 7:19 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 2008

NFL: Pacman talks won't affect Cowboys draft approach

By Albert Breer
The Dallas Morning News

Ongoing trade talks between the Dallas Cowboys and the Tennessee Titans could bring cornerback Pacman Jones to Dallas before the NFL draft, which begins April 26.

But the result of those negotiations is unlikely to affect the Cowboys' approach with its two first-round picks, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. Arizona's Antoine Cason, Virginia Tech's Brandon Flowers, Iowa's Charles Godfrey, Troy's Leodis McKelvin, Indiana's Tracy Porter and Tennessee State's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are among the draft-eligible cornerbacks slated to visit Valley Ranch this week.

"We still have to do what we're going to do," Stephen Jones said. "(Pacman Jones) is not here, anyway, right now, so that's how we're preparing." Stephen Jones said the strength of the roster should allow the Cowboys more flexibility in drafting the best player available, regardless of position.

Pacman Jones will file for reinstatement with the league Tuesday. Commissioner Roger Goodell has not shown a sense of urgency to address the matter, saying only that he plans to review the embattled player's case before NFL training camps open in July.

But Stephen Jones reiterated that the Cowboys' dealings with Tennessee do not hinge on the timing of Goodell's decision. The Cowboys don't have to wait until Jones' reinstatement to trade for him, though the Titans' willingness to deal him could be heightened if the suspension is lifted.

"I think if he continues to take care of business, then, ultimately, he'll get his opportunity to play," Stephen Jones said. "The biggest thing for us, at the end of the day, is whether Tennessee wants to trade him or not."

Rumors have persisted that the Cowboys are also interested in a trade for a veteran receiver, such as Arizona's Anquan Boldin, Detroit's Roy Williams or Cincinnati's Chad Johnson.

Stephen Jones wouldn't comment on the individual players, but he did say the Cowboys would be intrigued by the possibility of adding a player who might put them over the top.

"With Tony (Romo) as our quarterback and the team we've put together, obviously, I think we're close," Stephen Jones said. "So anything we think would make us better, that would give us one more advantage there when you get late in the season and into the playoffs, we're gonna take a long, hard look at it."