ASHBURN, Va. — Bruce Allen may have set an all-time standard for candor at a pre-draft news conference Monday, opening with the words: "I'm going to attempt not to lie to you all."

Knowing full well that he wasn't going to spill the beans about his intentions with the No. 4 overall pick — and that the entire buildup to the draft is mostly smoke and mirrors — Allen used humor to be cagey about his first college player selections as general manager of the Washington Redskins.

"Understand that I'm not going to get too specific," Allen said. "Don't get upset. I'm going to attempt not to lie to you all. Key word: 'attempt.' But let's bring it on."

So, naturally, Allen did not rule out moving down in Thursday's first round to acquire more picks, although he added it's become tougher in recent years to trade such a high selection and get a good return. He didn't rule out choosing a quarterback, even though he recently traded for Donovan McNabb.

For that matter, he didn't rule out anything. No surprise there.

"We are listening. Our phones will be open," Allen said. "We have a listed phone number if someone wants to make a trade."

Still on the trading block is quarterback Jason Campbell, who has stayed away from offseason workouts since the acquisition of McNabb. The Redskins currently have only four picks — in the first, fourth, fifth and seventh rounds — and dealing Campbell is a way to pick up more.

"There's been some conversations with people who are interested," Allen said. "Jason's a known commodity, a proven player in this league. But nothing is imminent."

Asked about defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who has also been absent from offseason workouts, Allen referred to the remarks made Sunday at minicamp by coach Mike Shanahan, who said there "has not been one mention" about trading Haynesworth.

"We really are looking forward to Albert coming in and helping us win," Allen said.

Notably missing from the stage was Dan Snyder, who has been a mainstay at pre-draft news conferences for most of his tenure as Redskins owner. Snyder's absence is further evidence that he really has turned over control of the football side of the operations to Allen and Shanahan.

Asked if Snyder has a role in this year's draft, Allen said the owner have likely an interest in learning about some of the intangibles of the players the team might select.

"Once we get our board finally stacked either Wednesday night and Thursday, I'm sure he's going to have some questions about the character of some of the players," Allen said.