We are extremely close to the final 53 man roster for the Dolphins. Now is the time that we will be looking to make moves on players that have been cut from other teams. The front office will also be looking to determine which of their players might be "trade bait".

For the first time that I can remember, the Dolphins have a few expendable pieces that could garner trade value. We actually have an excess of talent in a few areas. Cornerback. Defensive line. Wide Receiver. And maybe even fullback.

I propose a trade of Lousaka Polite for Chris Cooley*, in some capacity. I think that this would be a great move for both teams for a variety of reasons:

• Mike Shanahan is famous for fielding a physical, run-first offense. In a year where Rex Grossman and John Beck are the choices for quarterback, they will be relying almost solely on their running game.
  
• The Redskins do not have a talented offense. Tim Hightower will be their "featured" runningback. Their fullback, at the present moment, is a linebacker.
• The Dolphins will not be relying on a fullback nearly as much as they have in recent years.
  
• The Dolphins have a young "h-back" in Charles Clay and Lex Hilliard can play fullback.
• If necessary, Anthony Fasano can line up as a fullback, with Chris Cooley lining up in the traditional tight end spot.
  

*Due to the premium put on a tight end like Chris Cooley, the Redskins might not be too keen on trading him for a player at a position that is quickly becoming obsolete. However, the Dolphins could sweeten the deal in a variety of ways. Adding a mid-round draft pick or a player like Philip Merling are just two of the ways that the Dolphins could ensure that Chris Cooley opens the season in aqua & orange.

ON A SIDE NOTE...

If the Redskins aren't willing to part ways with Chris Cooley, I still see them as being a top destination for Lousaka Polite if the Dolphins determine that he is not part of their 2011 plans. Fred Davis is a nice alternative. He's a young, explosive athlete and he could fill the spot of an athletic, pass-catching tight end. Either way, it would be a mistake to let Polite go without gaining some value in return.