The first question that arises when linking Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald to the Cowboys is whether Donald will be on the board when the Cowboys pick at No. 16.
The better question may be whether the Cowboys would trade up to get him.
In 20 of the 25 drafts run by Cowboys owner/G.M. Jerry Jones, he has made a trade up or a trade down in round one. Twenty of 25.
Eighty percent of the time, Jones makes a move.
He has traded up. He has traded down. He has traded down multiples times. He has traded down then up.
He has traded two first-round picks for a veteran receiver (Joey Galloway). Jones has traded another first-round pick for another veteran receiver (Roy Williams).
The point is that, more often than not, Jones finds a way to break from the slot he has earned and to make something happen, either by moving up to get a guy he wants or moving down to get some more picks.
So, yes, there’s a great chance Donald won’t be there at No. 16. There’s also a good chance the Cowboys won’t be there at No. 16, either.