NFL Draft: RB David Cobb an option for Green Bay Packers?
Nov 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back David Cobb (27) holds the ball out as he scores a touchdown past Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Vonn Bell (11) in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. The Buckeyes won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
An Excellent Complement
Cobb has the potential to become a talented running back in the NFL. With some development, adding him to a corps with Lacy and Starks would give the Packers excellent depth and talent.
In the past two years, Cobb rushed for 2,828 yards and 20 touchdowns. He added 336 receiving yards.
Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back David Cobb (27) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Like Lacy, Cobb breaks tackles and is tough to bring down. Being able to rotate time with Lacy and Starks could be a positive move for the longevity of Lacy’s career and could help him stay fresh late in the season.
Cobb injured himself while running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. This injury meant he had to sit out of the Minnesota Pro Day, but it shouldn’t be a long-term concern for him.
The Packers would need him to improve in blocking and add more in the passing game, but these are areas of his game he can develop in his first couple of seasons, much like Lacy did.
With two compensatory picks in this year’s draft, the Packers will have plenty of opportunities to address other pressing needs such as inside linebacker and cornerback.
In the fourth or fifth-round, the Packers may bolster the running back depth with the Minnesota star.
A trio of Lacy, Starks and Cobb running the football would form one of the best corps in the league. The thought of Cobb and Cobb in the backfield would be a fun prospect, too.
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2011 | Minnesota | RB | 4 | 10 | 57 | 5.7 | 0 | 10 | 57 | 5.7 | 0 | ||||
| *2012 | Minnesota | RB | 5 | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | 0 |
| 2013 | Minnesota | RB | 13 | 237 | 1202 | 5.1 | 7 | 17 | 174 | 10.2 | 0 | 254 | 1376 | 5.4 | 7 |
| 2014 | Minnesota | RB | 13 | 314 | 1626 | 5.2 | 13 | 16 | 162 | 10.1 | 0 | 330 | 1788 | 5.4 | 13 |
| Career | Minnesota | 562 | 2893 | 5.1 | 20 | 34 | 339 | 10.0 | 0 | 596 | 3232 | 5.4 | 20 |
Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CFB: View Original Table
Generated 3/28/2015.
Next: Bostick and Boykin: What a difference a year makes
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