Gil Brandt: "If Cowboys Want Aaron Donald They'll Need To Move Up."

Gil Brandt, Vice President of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988 and now an analyst for NFL.com, took to Twitter yesterday to answer some draft-related questions. This one right here is of great interest to Cowboys fans:

.@ImDaBaron Donald won't make it past 16, probably higher. If Cowboys want him, they'll need to likely move up.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014

I think back fondly to January and early February of this year, when self-styled draft experts were ranking Aaron Donald as a borderline first-rounder and Donald was considered a reach at No. 16 for the Cowboys.

Sigh.

Today, Donald is considered not just the top defensive tackle in the draft, but sources as diverse as CBSSports, DraftInsider, and Bryan Broaddus consider Donald a Top Ten prospect, which effectively removes Donald from consideration at No. 16.

But Brandt isn't overly concerned about that for the Cowboys, and suggests they'd be better off with a safety anyway:

.@ColtManis All of those players worthy at 16 but safety would help them out most, like Lynch in TB.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014

A few other thoughts from Gil Brandt's Q&A yesterday....

About passing on Johnny Manziel

No trepidation. Wouldn't want to be GM who passes. RT @ByNateDavis: Mayock: "I am a Manziel guy, and I say that with great trepidation."

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014

Brandt isn't buying the Manziel-to-Dallas headlines.

.@ADirty_Sanchez Dallas picks in mid-40s after 16. Jerry thinks he can win this year; believe that's predicated on taking DL in 1st.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014

Will Sutton has been gaining some traction on BTB, but not with Brandt.

.@sterling_john Sutton was excellent player in 2012 but put on bad weight, had avg season. Not a fan. Not in my top 125.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014

The Cowboys brought in Texas DT Chris Whaley for a pre-draft visit, Brandt likes him too.

.@olKasey Former RB in HS. If his knee is ok, possible 5th round. Alot like Henry Melton. Fantastic athlete, just learning position.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014

Liberty CB Walt Aikens had a private workout with the Cowboys a few weeks ago.

.@shlog3131 I like Walt Aikens the best. James pretty good, too. 22 teams watched Aikens at pro day. Lot of interest. Rounds 3-4

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014