Chris Cooley for a 1st and a 3rd -- would you do it?

Cooley is one of my favorite Redskins, but I would trade him for a 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick without any hesitation for a few reasons.

First, there are very few, if any, tight ends in the league who are worth a 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick. Tony Gonzalez, perhaps the best tight end in the history of the game, was traded for a 2nd round pick. Granted, Gonzalez is much older than Cooley, but he's also a much better player. Jeremy Shockey, who is younger but not as good as Gonzalez, was traded for a 2nd round pick as well. I just don't think that a guy with so-so blocking skills and who puts up 800 yards per season is worth a 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick.

Second, Fred Davis is developing into a very nice player. I don't think he's as good as Cooley right now, but he's got more athleticism and upside. If Cooley returns to full-time duty next season, I can't see Davis reeling in more than 25 passes for 250 yards. That's a pretty insignificant return on Davis' talent. I think Davis could step into Cooley's shoes and match his production.

Third, Chris Cooley will be 28 next season. Odds are that he will be at the apex of his career. In other words, if Cooley were a stock, he'd be set to reach his "high" next season. What's that old saying about when to buy and sell stocks?

Fourth, we have so many needs at other positions right now. We need extra picks to acquire an offensive tackle, an offensive guard, a center, a quarterbacks, a running back, etc.

.....NO. Were just going to trade away one of our best players, simply trade away our Pro Bowler? I got a better idea. The stock for Davis is going up, since he's not a Pro Bowler how about we trade him?
that would be stupid, why don't we trade all of our young players that are making an impact and keep all the older players, don't get me wrong I like Cooley, but at this point we really look better with the team we are fielding right now, they all seem to be on the same page. Why fuck with that because there are a bunch of man crushes on Cooley? Give me Davis all day he's a huge specimen that's only going to get better, we've seen what Chris can do and he's good at it but Davis is still learning and he's our best goal line threat..IMO

I am reminded of a statement Shawn Springs made last year during his "exit" interview on ESPN980. I'm paraphasing but he said something very close to this:

No disrespect to Chris (Cooley), but mark my words - Fred Davis is going to be the best tight end in the league.

Kevin and whoever else was interviewing him were laughing and were like, "you've got to be kidding me." But Springs was adamant that he was dead serious. Given equal compensation (and in an uncapped year of course), i'd trade Cooley over Davis and not think twice about it. Now, if there is a cap next year, we simply can't trade Cooley. In that scenario, Davis becomes more trade-able, but if the compensation were only a 2nd rounder, i'd keep them both and find a way to give both of them on the field in the teams "base" offense.

I'd trade Cooley for a 2nd rounder in a heartbeat, that would be a valuable pick to use on a O lineman. Why would we keep two TE with so many needs cause we can't get a #1 for him, cap or not you keep your best scoring threat Davis, and ship Cooley's ass on the 1st thing smoking.

Keep both Cooley and Davis to have the best 2 tightend set in football. I just hope after this season when cooley is healthy they don't, "betts" Fred and put him back on the shelf that would be dumb.

I hope all you people who are chanting for us to trade away Cooley to turn towards youth and pick up picks are also chanting for Rock to be let go for youth (Ganther) with the understanding Portis is done due to his concussion and Betts has a career ending knee injury.

We should trade Rock also for a late round draft pick....I mean it is all about youth right.

dont you think we have a good amount of vet leaders on our offense? A bit of younger talent cant hurt; I mean we are rebuilding right?

I would trade cooley for a #1 in a second and I would consider trading him for a #2. 1st & 3rd is a pipedream.You beat me to the punch. Before even considering trading either Cooley or Davis, why not see what they can do on the field together next year. Our passing attack may well be devastating if we upgrade the O-line.

I hope all you people who are chanting for us to trade away Cooley to turn towards youth and pick up picks are also chanting for Rock to be let go for youth (Ganther) with the understanding Portis is done due to his concussion and Betts has a career ending knee injury.

We should trade Rock also for a late round draft pick....I mean it is all about youth right.

Cooley and Rock are not the same situation.

You beat me to the punch. Before even considering trading either Cooley or Davis, why not see what they can do on the field together next year. Our passing attack may well be devastating if we upgrade the O-line.

Can you say 2 TE sets with extra blocking, passes will be flying all over.