Shanahan said he spoke with the former Pro Bowler for 15 minutes Wednesday and said he’s “feeling great.” Shanahan said Cooley, who missed 11 games in 2011 because of his knee, has no swelling.

“He’s felt as good as he’s felt the last couple years,” Shanahan said. “Hopefully he’s full speed once we get started with our [organized team activities] and he can stay injury-free.”

Right tackle Jammal Brown » He was slowed by nagging hip and leg injuries his first two years in Washington but has done yoga and pilates this offseason.

“His flexibility is 100 percent different than the last two years,” Shanahan said. “We believe we helped ourselves just with Jammal Brown getting better.”

Shanahan also singled out veteran backups Tyler Polumbus and James Lee, signaling the possibility they will not draft a right tackle.

Tim Hightower » Shanahan has been consistent in his desire to re-sign Hightower, who tore his ACL in October. That hasn’t changed, though Hightower remains free (and has visited New England). Shanahan said Hightower should be full speed by the middle of June.

Niles Paul » He performed some tight end responsibilities toward the end of last season, but now he’ll play it more full-time. Now at 233 pounds, Paul is big enough in this offense, which emphasizes more lateral quickness on blocks rather than power. For now, he provides depth. That’s what Lorenzo Alexander gives them at inside linebacker, though he backed up both inside and outside last season as well.

Jabar Gaffney »

Shanahan said he gave Gaffney the ability to seek a trade because with newcomers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, as well as second-year Leonard Hankerson, there will be less time for him. Shanahan said it has nothing to do with the expletive-filled posts on his Twitter feed nearly two weeks ago.

“He may want to come back and compete,” Shanahan said. “I can’t tell you at this time what’s going to happen.”

Neil Rackers » The newly signed kicker will provide competition for Graham Gano.

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