Washington acquired receiver Angelo Coia and defensive tackle…
Washington acquired receiver Angelo Coia and defensive tackle Fred Williams from Chicago for its 1965 first-round pick, which became No. 6 overall Steve DeLong. Coia immediately started 13 games and posted 500 receiving yards with five touchdowns in 1964, while Williams joined the defensive rotation. DeLong signed with the rival AFL Chargers and did not play for Chicago until 1972. Washington therefore realized the stronger immediate and team-specific return.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1965 first round pick (#6-Steve DeLong)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Angelo Coia
- player Fred Williams
Trade Analysis
What Washington Bought
On June 6, 1964, Washington sent its 1965 first-round choice to Chicago for receiver Angelo Coia and defensive tackle Fred Williams. Both veterans immediately joined the Washington roster. Coia started 13 games in 1964 and caught 29 passes for 500 yards and five touchdowns, then returned in 1965. Williams, a long-time Bears lineman and former Pro Bowler, gave Washington experienced defensive depth. The package therefore produced immediate NFL contributions from two known players.
Why Chicago's Pick Lost Value
The Bears' incoming asset was objectively valuable: Washington's first-rounder became the sixth overall pick in the 1965 NFL draft. Chicago selected Tennessee defensive lineman Steve DeLong. But the outcome cannot be graded as though Chicago received seven prime DeLong seasons. He also signed with the AFL's San Diego Chargers and played there from 1965 through 1971. The Bears did not get him onto their field until a 1972 trade brought him back to Chicago.
How the Realized Results Compare
DeLong finally gave Chicago one full starting season in 1972, recording three sacks, then retired the next summer. Washington had already received two seasons from Coia and useful service from Williams years earlier. The Bears deserve credit for acquiring a top-six selection, but the dual-league era created a major risk: controlling an NFL draft choice did not guarantee controlling the player's immediate professional career. That risk materialized here.
Final Verdict
Washington wins with a B+ because it received two veterans who actually contributed, led by Coia's strong first season. Chicago earns a C: obtaining the No. 6 pick was excellent process in football terms, but the realized Bears return was only one late DeLong season. The prior Chicago-win verdict credited draft-slot prestige more heavily than the production Chicago ultimately received.