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Rumors
Trade winds swirling as NFL draft gets under way
Posted: Saturday April 20, 2002 11:15 AM
Updated: Saturday April 20, 2002 11:48 AM
Pre-draft rumors swirling about the NFL:
Dallas is involved in several trade scenarios, the most high-profile of which would be a swap with No. 3 Detroit in order to select Texas cornerback Quentin Jammer. But sources within the Cowboys organization say that Dallas is 90 percent certain to stay at No. 6. Another rumor had the Cowboys considering a trade with No. 8 Kansas City.
The Cowboys also were said to be entertaining a flop with No. 4 Buffalo if the No. 3 Lions select Joey Harrington. Concerned that the Chargers at No. 5 might take Jammer ahead of them, Dallas would take Jammer at No. 4, and Buffalo would go with North Carolina defensive tackle Ryan Sims in the sixth spot.
The Browns would like to get into the top seven or so to select University of Miami offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, but it’s not likely, even though he’s the player former Hurricanes head coach Butch Davis covets most. Davis would tempt a team with a package of players, rather than draft picks, because he’s loath to give up picks. But Browns officials consider the scenario a longshot, becauses teams traditionally want picks, not players, in return.
Another potential top 15 deal involves No. 9 Jacksonville and the No. 15 Giants. The Giants would move up to select Miami tight end Jeremy Shockey, one spot ahead of No. 10 Cincinnati, who is believed to covet Shockey. The Jaguars would likely target Arizona State offensive tackle Levi Jones with the 15th pick.
There were indications Friday night that Baltimore was nearing a two-year contract agreement with free-agent quarterback Jeff Blake. Not true. Both head coach Brian Billick and Blake's agent, Ralph Cindrich, confirmed that the two sides have talked, but said no deal is imminent. Look for the Ravens to re-visit the Blake signing after the draft, and it could be for just a one-year contract.
Despite all the attention on a potential Buffalo-New England deal for quarterback Drew Bledsoe, sources within the Patriots organization say the two sides haven't conducted any substantive negotiations. At least negotiations that the Patriots consider substantive. That means any deal involving Bledsoe on Saturday continues to be a prohibitive longshot.
Don Banks covers pro football for CNNSI.com.
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