Green Bay Packers: Ted Thompson’s top 30 draft picks of all-time
6. Randall Cobb (Ray’s pick)
Randall Cobb re-signed with the Green Bay Packers last offseason, not because the franchise offered him more money than anyone else, but rather because he was more concerned about winning.
Cobb, who was drafted by Ted Thompson in the second round (64th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft, was convinced to stay in Green Bay because he felt that catching passes from two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers was just too good to pass up.
Considering that Cobb missed two-thirds of the 2013 season with a leg injury, his 4,180 total yards from scrimmage have provided the Packers with receiving and returning firepower that is crucial to the team’s overall success.
Cobb, as you may remember, kickstarted his career in his first game as a rookie with a 108-yard kickoff return and a touchdown reception in a home win over the New Orleans Saints.
Since then, he’s been one of Aaron Rodgers‘ most significant go-to guys.
In that first year of Cobb’s in 2011, he accounted for only 380 yards from scrimmage rushing and receiving.
But that changed in his second year when he made a big jump.
Cobb had 80 catches for 954 yards that second year, along with eight touchdowns.
He was cruising toward that mark again in 2013. When he injured his leg in week six at Baltimore, Cobb had already caught 31 balls for 433 yards and four touchdowns.
But Cobb wasn’t about to lay down … he came back stronger and more productive than ever in 2014.
With receiver Jordy Nelson exceeding 1,500 yards last season, Cobb was right behind him with 1,287 yards – a breakout season for the slot receiver who was continuously on the end of clutch plays from Rodgers.
But then again, there was 2015.
Playing without Nelson by his side, Cobb struggled, as did the entire Packers offense. he 79 catches for 829 yards and just six touchdowns.
With Nelson back in 2016 we can expect to also see more from Cobb.
Cobb is an important spoke in the wheel of a potential championship in 2016, thus it was important for Thompson to bring him back for another championship run.
Can Cobb surpass his totals from 2014?
That may be difficult.
But if he plays a full season, there’s no reason why he won’t surpass 1,000 yards again and help open the Packers offense to even more production this coming year.
Consider the combination of Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams roaming opposing defensive backfields for the next couple of seasons … the damage they will be able to invoke isn’t imaginable.
With Cobb in place to assist in the coming years, Aaron Rodgers will surely be pleased … as will all Packers fans … and it gives the Packers a chance at a Super Bowl title not only in 2016, but for years to come.
Next: No. 6 (Freddie's pick)