Washington moved up in the 2004 third round for tight end…
Washington moved up in the 2004 third round for tight end Chris Cooley and also received a fifth-round pick, while New Orleans acquired a fifth-rounder that became Rodney Leisle plus Washington's 2005 second-round pick, used on Josh Bullocks. Bullocks became a multi-year starter, so the Saints received real value. Cooley developed into a two-time Pro Bowler and one of Washington's most productive tight ends, giving Washington the better return.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2004 5th round pick (139th overall, Rodney Leisle)
- pick 2005 2nd round pick (40th overall, Josh Bullocks)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2004 3rd round pick (81st overall, Chris Cooley)
- pick 2004 5th round pick (151st overall, Mark Wilson )
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Washington wanted to move into the third round of the 2004 draft and targeted Utah State tight end Chris Cooley. New Orleans supplied pick No. 81 and received Washington's 2004 fifth-round pick plus its 2005 second-round selection. Washington also received a 2004 fifth-rounder at No. 151, making the transaction a combination of an immediate move up and deferred premium value for the Saints.
What the Returns Produced
Washington selected Cooley at No. 81 and Mark Wilson at No. 151. Wilson did not become a major contributor, but Cooley quickly developed into a core offensive player. He finished his Washington career with 429 receptions, 4,711 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns, earning two Pro Bowl selections. New Orleans used the 2004 fifth-rounder on Rodney Leisle and the 2005 second-rounder on safety Josh Bullocks. Bullocks started 49 games for the Saints across four seasons, while Leisle was primarily a reserve.
How the Value Developed
The Saints' side should not be dismissed because a future second-round pick is significant and Bullocks became a legitimate starter. Cooley, however, provided a higher level of production for much longer and became one of Washington's defining offensive players of the period. A decade of receiving value at tight end outweighed the solid but shorter starting run New Orleans received from Bullocks.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The deal highlights how moving up can be worthwhile when a team identifies a player who substantially outperforms the price. New Orleans received sensible draft value, but Washington found the best player in the transaction and kept him for the bulk of his career.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win is the best fit. Washington earns an A for securing a two-time Pro Bowl tight end with long-term production, while New Orleans earns a B- because Bullocks gave the Saints several seasons of starting value despite the overall gap.