I feel like unless K'Lavon Chaisson, C.J. Henderson, or possibly Javon Kinlaw is available at 17 they should trade back — like in 2013 — and hopefully pick up this year's Terrance Williams. I feel like there are so many choices for the late first through third round at CB, S and WR that possibly picking up an extra third-round pick they can fill their top four needs and still draft basically best available. Do you agree? — A KAPLAN / NEW YORK, NY
David: I do agree. I'm not convinced the Cowboys would draft Javon Kinlaw. But if they can't draft Chaisson or Henderson, I'd be all in favor of trying to trade back 6-10 spots and add a third-round pick. Obviously, you need a trade partner to do that — but it could be possible depending on your asking price. With the number of needs that need to be addressed, I'd be just fine holding four picks in the top 100.
Jonny:If those players are off the board then I'd certainly be open to the idea of trading back. That said, I think that just like you have targeted those three players at 17, you need to trade back with a player targeted as opposed to doing it just for the sake of picking up an extra pick. Let's say that Henry Ruggs III is available at 17. Perhaps, it'd be sensible to trade down in a draft deep with receivers, but it would also be insane to pass up on a talent like Ruggs unless there's a specific player you're in love with that you can get later.
Everyone appears to be focused on right defensive end with D-Law at left end, but D-Law can't play every snap. Is there a DE in this year's class that could play RDE and also give a breather to D-Law at LDE spot? Looking for versatility. — CHIP NELSON / SPRINGDALE, AR
David: For the record, I think K'Lavon Chaisson could do the job just fine. He'll need some time in an NFL weight program, but the guy is incredibly versatile. A.J. Epenesa and Yetur Gross-Matos also come to mind. Gross-Matos flipped around the line a lot when he was at Penn State, and Epenesa has the prototypical size and strength that you're looking for in an NFL left end. I'd be a little leery about drafting either of those guys at No. 17, but perhaps if they trade back.
Jonny: Well, yes, ideally the Cowboys can draft someone with the versatility to play on either side. But in a best case scenario, they would find someone who would start on the right side, so asking him to also fill in for an established Pro-Bowler at the left side might be a bit much. But I think Julian Okwara out of Notre Dame is a player that you could draft and mold to your system. Some team might actually convert him to a 3-4 outside linebacker. I'd be confident in asking him to fill in on whatever side he's needed and ready to play from.
