Packers Prospect Profile – WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky – 2011 NFL Draft

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1) Profile:

Randall Cobb

College: Kentucky

Position: WR

Height: 5’11” Weight: 191 lbs.

Born: August 22, 1990 From: Alcoa, TN

2) High School / College Highlights: At Aloca High School, Cobb was a standout both on and off the field. As a four-year member of the track team, Cobb finished third in Tennessee in the 100-meter dash his senior season with a time of 10.75 seconds. He also was an All-District basketball player his junior and senior years, and a member of the academic honor roll.

Even with all those accolades, football was still the sport where Cobb excelled the most. He earned All-State honors during his last two years, quarterbacking the Tornadoes to a 27-3 over that span. His senior year, the dual-threat quarterback was picked as Tennessee’s “Mr. Football.” Rivals still only rated him as the 18th best prospect in Tennessee, and Scout.com gave him just a two-star rating.

Once at Kentucky, however, Cobb proved his worth. He made the SEC All-Freshman team in 2008 by playing at quarterback, receiver, running back and returner. Cobb was named All-SEC First Team his final three seasons at Kentucky, and an All-American his senior year (2010).

3) College Stats: 144 catches for 1661 yards and 13 TD’s; 228 rushes for 1313 yards and 22 TD’s; 44 kick returns for 1081 yards; 63 punt returns for 619 yards and 2 TD’s; 62 completions for 689 yards and 5 TD’s

4) NFL Combine Results: 4.46-second 40-yard dash, 16 bench-presses at 225 pounds, 33.5″ vertical leap, 115″ broad jump, 7.08-second 3-cone drill, 4.34-second 20-yard shuffle, 11.56-second 60-yard shuffle

5) Strengths/Weaknesses: Cobb is as versatile a player as there is in the 2011 NFL Draft. While his main position in the NFL will be receiver, Cobb has the ability to line up at running back, punt and kick returner or quarterback in the Wildcat formation.

As strictly a receiver, Cobb is best suited to play in the slot. He never shies away from contact and isn’t afraid to go over the middle to make plays. Once he gets the ball in his hands, Cobb is tough to get down. His history at running back and compact frame allow him to break tackles and gain yards after the catch.

He’s also a great character guy who loves to play the game and has a squeaky clean background. In fact, he has a long list of charitable events he routinely engages in, and his major at Kentucky was Leadership Development. He also was the Wildcats’ holder on kicks—something he volunteered to do to get onto the field more.

While that kind of versatility is nice, Cobb is a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. His route running still needs refinement, and his ball skills as a receiver are still a work in progress. He would need a year or two to become a polished receiver at the NFL level.

6) Fit for the Packers: Is there a more perfect prospect for the Packers in this whole draft? Receiver isn’t a pressing need, but his ability to play so many positions and contribute in different ways could make him valuable in Green Bay immediately. Cobb could give the Packers the threat in the return game they’ve been missing, and his ability to get yards after the catch should make him a viable underneath option in the passing offense right away.

Versatility alone isn’t all that overwhelming, but it’s also his attitude and awareness off the field that gives him a very good chance at being a Packer. Just read what he told The Sporting News:

“I tell NFL coaches I’m willing to do anything—play on special teams, be a gunner, whatever. I love the game so much and have such a passion for the game, I just want to be on the field.”

Here’s a guy playing the position in football most known for divas and “me first” players, and he’s talking about playing special teams? And being a gunner? Sign me up.

But don’t forget, Cobb is also a player who has the skills to be a dynamic player in this league. In my opinion, he could have the same type of impact that Percy Harvin had for the Vikings when he came out of Florida in 2009. He’s maybe not as explosive, but Cobb can give a team all the same things that Harvin did right away and I’m sure Mike McCarthy could find a way to get him the football.

And, depending on who you talk to, he should be available in the middle of the second round. The Packers could either trade back from No. 32 or move up from 64 and still be able to take him.

7) Highlight video

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Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.

You can read more of Zach's Packers articles on AllGreenBayPackers.com.

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5 thoughts on “Packers Prospect Profile – WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky – 2011 NFL Draft

  1. I think he would improve the Pack immediately with his return skills.He would also be very valuable as a third down back and I would love to see him in a Packer wild cat.Yes, I would move up to the middle of the second round to get him.

  2. He would be a prime target if Ted moves back into the early or mid 2nd round and could be an impact player right away returning punts and kicks. Cobb is on my list as one of my favorite players in this draft class.

  3. I hope GB gets this guy – he’ll replace Jones right away and the KOR and PR ability is a bonus. However, I’m not buying the “he’s as dynamic as Harvin” argument.

    Don’t get me wrong – he sounds great. But he’s not going to be as much a bigtime playmaker as Harvin is.

  4. I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thx again! “All that is gold does not glitter not all those that wander are lost.” by J. R. R. Tolkien.

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