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

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

Shockey was not getting along in NY, and wanted out. Gonzalez is good, but also OLD. Again, if Cooley wanted out, or was causing problems, then yes a 2nd is fair, but he is young, an established probowler who has significant ties to the community and team, brings in a ton of merchandising revenue(yes that should affect the value we get for him, because he will bring that to the new team as well) and is a very good locker room presence. Shockey and Gonzalez didn't meet that criteria, and Gonzalez was franchised last year I believe - I could be wrong, but not this year. It is crazy to think a stand alone 2nd round pick is a fair market value for Cooley.

Well said. I think every player in his prime that got traded, did not want to be with their current team (i.e. Shockey, Winslow Jr., Braylon Edwards, Gonzalez...well he wasn't in his prime but still a damn good TE). Hell, even trading Richard Seymour backfired on Darth Hoody, because his defense sucks now.

You don't build a good franchise by JUST acquiring a ton of draft picks. You have to be smart about using your picks and the players that you have. Right now the Redskins could be in a good positions for two/three years down the road to trade Cooley if he wants out or if his production is not equal the $$ they are paying him. Right now the Redskins need to figure out a good way to use their two talented tight ends.