Cool Chris Cooley on Pro football weekly.com

Emerging tight ends


By Mike Holbrook (mholbrook@pfwmedia.com)
July 9, 2005
Chris Cooley — Despite playing out of position as a rookie, filling more of an H-back role and being required to block, something he didn’t do much of in college, Cooley still put up decent numbers for a tight end. He finished with 37 catches for 314 yards. More importantly, he scored six touchdowns, becoming a dependable red-zone option. The Redskins drafted ex-UCLA FB Manuel White Jr. to play the H-back blocking role this year, which should free up Cooley to concentrate on running routes and help Patrick Ramsey as a receiving option in the middle of the field. Cooley was a prolific pass catcher in college at Utah State and has the ability to be a solid receiver at the NFL level. He could easily put up 50-plus catches, 500-plus yards and 6-8 touchdowns.

Some thoughts -

What do you guys think about Cooley's numbers? I say this reporters numbers are pretty accurate.

How much action do you guys think that White will get this year??

I really like the idea suggested by this writer. If White turns out to be a great blocker, it would definitely boost Cooley's opportunities to help in the passing game. It surprises me that Mike Sellers didn't do more for our running game as a blocker, and I'm still worried about Robert Royal's blocking, even though he is a good red-zone target (like Cooley).

It would be great if the new guys with speed can open up the middle more for Cooley and those 50 catches might not be out of the question. Despite what the rookies can do at H-back, still think Chris will see some duties there.

I hope guys, if White is really a good blocker we would have everything that we need to be an above average Offense and mixed w/ our D, anything is possible. We need time for our QBs in the pocket and Cooley being a bigger threat will be huge for our team, Cooley is one of the most underrated players, seriously. I am happy he is gettin some credit. He was stuck in a horrific offense last year but still preformed well. As long as we can keep our QBs safe for a few seconds the sky is the limit

I think Cooley had an amazing year considering how awful our passing game was overall last year. I see him having an even bigger impact this year, he's definitely a sleeper to catch 50 passes and maybe even 10 tds.

I don't think 50-60 catches is unreasonable for Cooley at all.

I think 50-60 is quite reasonable and if our offense improves only slightly then I'd expect Cooley to actually pick up some slack even more. I think 50-70 is where I'd put him.

I don't think 50-60 catches is unreasonable for Cooley at all.And I would add 7 to 10 touchdowns to go with those receptions.

I think that if White makes the team, he will take some of the "rush-only" snaps from Cooley, and hopefully save some wear'n'tear on Chris's body. They do play the same position, though, so it doesn't make a lot of sense to say the addition of White will open things up for Cooley.

If White and Cooley are on the field at the same time, I'd expect Cooley to line up as TE (or maybe even in the slot, depending on the defensive matchup).

I agree. I'd love to see some pitches to Cooley or White lined up as TE or slot when they go in motion.