If possible, use a flip-flop instead. Spreading high-drive pins around the package will solve the problem. Develop a test bench. With big designs, you can t just program parts to see if they work. Regression test suites facilitate design changes by raising confidence that nothing has broken, especially if the suite is kept current.
Regression suites are extremely valuable for verifying conversions.
Use full-timing simulations. Get the real behavior of the design. Capture inputs, outputs and output-enable signals. Regression tests need to capture outputs for comparison in future simulations. Also, capture the output-enable signals.