Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, Randall Cobb burst onto the scene and became the Green Bay Packers’ most consistent wide receiver. This year, Cobb will not only pick up where he left off but will also become an elite NFL wideout. By the end of this year, when we discuss who the best receivers in the NFL are, Randall Cobb will be in the discussion, along with the likes of Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green, and Dez Bryant. Here’s why.
Cobb has already developed great chemistry with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who many consider the best quarterback in the game. Last season, Rodgers targeted Cobb 110 times, and Cobb caught a remarkable 78% of the passes thrown his way. Now with Greg Jennings out of town and Donald Driver retiring, Rodgers will surely look to the sure-handed Cobb even more. Rodgers has spoken very highly of Cobb this offseason, and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has even hinted that Cobb could catch 100 balls this season. As the top target in a pass first offense with the best quarterback in the NFL throwing to him, there’s no reason to believe Cobb doesn’t have a legitimate shot at this.
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Cobb is also tremendously versatile, both as a runner and on special teams. He led the NFL in rush yards for a wide receiver last year with 132 yards on just 10 carries. He also had nearly 1,300 kickoff return yards on special teams and even scored one return TD. Cobb is Percy Harvin-esque in his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. But unlike Harvin, Cobb does not have a worrisome injury history and is not with a new team learning a new system. So, yes, if it comes down to it, draft Cobb over Harvin this year.
Randall Cobb is coming off a season where he was a borderline No. 1 fantasy option at wide receiver. This season Cobb is set to build on last season’s success through natural development and increased opportunity. At 23, Cobb’s best years are still ahead of him. I’m projecting Cobb at 90 catches, 1200 receiving yards and eight touchdowns with a handful of scores from rushing plays and special teams to boot. Draft him confidently as your top wide receiver and be prepared to reap the benefits.
Justin Brown covers the NBA and NFL for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Real_JBrown, like him on Facebook, add him on Google+
