Randall Cobb - Round 2 pick for the Packers
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03/25/2011 - Kentucky Pro day: In a league that craves versatility, Randall Cobb is rising on draft boards thanks to his jack-of-all-trades skill set. Cobb was one of 10 NFL hopefuls who worked out in front of representatives from 24 teams at Kentucky's pro day on March 10. The workouts were held indoors on FieldTurf. Standing at 5-foot-10 1/4 and 191 pounds at the combine, Cobb worked out with former NFL wideout and current Carolina Panthers offensive consultant Ricky Proehl, Cincinnati Bengals running back coach Jim Anderson, and New York Jets running backs coach Anthony Lynn. He's had three private workouts with another scheduled for this week. The teams have asked Cobb not to reveal who they are. Cobb kept all of the numbers from his impressive combine showing, and stuck with positional drills at Kentucky. With the ability to run the wildcat, line up at wide receiver, running back or as a special teams returner, Cobb is an elastic talent who may have punched his ticket to the second round next month. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com
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Overview
One of the most celebrated recent high school football players from Tennessee shocked everyone in 2008 by deciding to attend Kentucky, offering up one more nail in the coffin of Phil Fulmer's tenure as head coach at Tennessee.
Cobb immediately made the All-SEC Freshman team as a quarterback in 2008 despite starting only four games at the position, making the switch late in the season following four starts at receiver. It was immediately clear that Cobb was a triple threat to pass, run and catch on any play. Highlights of his true freshman year included catching two touchdowns late to rally the Wildcats against Arkansas,21-20, and 100 yards both passing and rushing against Georgia,
Too short to project to the NFL as a quarterback, Cobb found a home at receiver as a sophomore, where he was All-SEC as an "all purpose performer," averaging almost 140 yards per game in offense and kick/punt returns. He finished with 447 yards receiving, first on a team with inconsistent quarterback play. While Cobb was green at receiver, his natural athletic talent was obvious.
Cobb was ready for primetime in 2010, breaking out with 84 catches for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns, not to mention an additional 424 yards rushing with five touchdowns and 955 combined yards returning punts and kicks. Game highlights included 12 catches for 171 yards against Mississippi State, 226 yards rushing and receiving with two touchdowns against Vanderbilt and 13 catches for 116 yards against Tennessee.
Cobb is an excellent slot or No. 2 receiver prospect running primarily short and intermediate routes at the NFL level, but lacks the elite straight-line speed and size the NFL usually demands for consideration as a No. 1 receiver. He should fit well in a quick throw, West Coast type of offense, and offers great versatility as a runner, kick returner and Wildcat quarterback, not to mention a dependable holder for field goals. Bright, hard working, dedicated and athletic, Randall Cobb has a lot of talent and very little risk.
Analysis
Release: Extremely quick first step off the snap. Strong and physical enough to beat the press, but more likely to use quickness and elusiveness to escape coverage. Played in the slot and/or was in motion a lot. Very good at getting open quickly with cuts and burst.
Hands: Soft, natural hands are used to snatch the ball away from the body. Very few drops, even counting the two short ones over the middle vs. Pitt in the Compass Bowl from the backup quarterback. Adjusts well to the ball. Caught the ball in traffic a lot and almost always held on. Will hold onto the ball while taking a big hit. Secures the ball well and rarely puts it on the ground. Can be counted on to field punts and kickoffs cleanly. Holds for field-goal attempts.
Route running: Excellent, disciplined route running originates from being a former quarterback, knowing what happens when the route is not run correctly. Crisp, sharp cuts and turns. Breaks tackles and gets YAC consistently. Student of the game prides himself on not making mental errors. Not a true blazer, but fast enough, very shifty and tends to get separation consistently.
Blocking: Small frame limits the benefits of quality technique and effort. Will sacrifice body against larger defenders. Good knee bend, extension of arms and hand placement. True team player gives all in every assignment. Intangibles: Dedicated to football. Puts in outstanding effort, leads by example and never takes a play off. Leader off the field, participating in a wide variety of community and charity causes. Honor Roll student in high school. Does the small things well, such as being a reliable holder for field goals. Received high praise from coaches. While Cobb missed a couple of games early in his career with minor injuries, he produced consistently during a healthy 2010 season. --Brad Noel