Randall Cobb Scouting Report
Separation Skills: A polished route runner who knows the intricacies of the position. Excellent burst off the line of scrimmage. Shows good suddenness and pushes defenders up field. Displays excellent balance and body control during his breaks. Doesn’t chop his feet, and knows how to maintain his speed throughout the duration of his routes. Good but not great speed. Quicker than fast. Won’t blow by defenders with 4.3 speed. Can get deep, but only by executing his routes to a tee. Is more of a short to intermediate route runner. Gives nice head and shoulder fakes to uncover himself. Shows the knack for finding and sitting in empty zones, and quickly accelerating after securing the catch.
Ball Skills: Extends his arms, forms a diamond with his hands, and plucks the ball from the air. Rarely lets balls get into his frame. Shows good field awareness and can haul in balls on the sideline. Has the flexibility to bend, twist, and contort to poorly thrown balls. Displays excellent focus. Tracks the ball well and secures it before running. Not much of a threat on jump balls. Not the type of receiver to climb the ladder and pull down a catch.
Big play ability: Out of this world big play ability. Can hurt defenses from a multitude of positions. Has experience at wide receiver, running back, and wildcat quarterback. Is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands. Displays top-notch shiftiness and gets up to top speed immediately after securing the catch. Excels at yards after the catch. Can take a short pass, inside run, and wildcat run to daylight. Runs with a low center of gravity and moves like a running back in space. Has quick feet that never stop. Also has proven to be a threat in the return game. Has the quickness and vision to see a crease and hit it.
Competitiveness/ Toughness: More than not, is the most competitive player on the field. Takes on the responsibility of 4 different positions and relishes in it. Possesses a decent size frame. Never shies away from contact and can break tackles. Shows no qualms about catching passes over the middle or running between the tackles. Plays more physical than his weight would lead you to believe. Motor is non-stop. Plays every play like it’s his last.
Intangibles: Team captain and high character individual. Leads by example. Plays the game with a passion that is undeniable and is fully dedicated to this teammates and team. Willing to do whatever is deemed necessary for his team to succeed, and that includes being the holder on field goals and extra points. Is a former quarterback. Participates in community outreach programs, is a honor roll student, and is loved by everyone he comes into contact with.
Overall Stock: Randall Cobb is the latest “Jack of All Trades” player to enter the NFL Draft. He’s following in the footsteps of Ole Miss running back Dexter McCluster. McCluster went in the 2nd round of the 2010 Draft, and I expect the same for Cobb. He’s a player that can contribute in so many different ways, and will be highly sought after by NFL teams. He’ll instantly cause match up issues for defenses, because he can line up in the backfield, slot, and outside the hashes. Cobb is best at receiver in my opinion. His skills are refined, and he is ready to make an immediate impact at the next level. He has a certain maturity to his game that most college football players don’t possess. He knows how to exploit zone coverage, and work the seam. Teams that place a high emphasis on character will fall in love with Cobb. Not only does he produce on the football field, but he produces in the locker room and in the community as well. There isn’t much not to like about Randall Cobb. The only drawback at this point would be he is not a number one receiver. His role should be number two receiver or slot receiver. Teams looking to bolster their receiving corps and versatility, will target Randall Cobb in April.
NFL Comparison: Percy Harvin, Dexter McCluster, Antwan Randle El
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