The Green Bay Packers drafted a versatile weapon when they picked Kentucky’s [intlink id=”1616″ type=”category”]Randall Cobb[/intlink] in the second round of the [intlink id=”1476″ type=”category”]2011 NFL Draft[/intlink].
We discussed this potential in Cobb’s post-draft breakdown. What we didn’t consider at the time is the possibility of the Packers putting Cobb in the wildcat.
Certainly, the wildcat is a gadget play and the Packers aren’t known for running such plays. It’s also a play that has become less than effective since it was introduced several years ago, but in Cobb, the Packers have something wildcat-friendly teams like the Miami Dolphins don’t have — someone who can throw the ball.
Cobb actually played quarterback his freshman year at Kentucky, before he became the Wildcats’ Swiss Army knife. This isn’t to suggest [intlink id=”25″ type=”category”]Aaron Rodgers[/intlink] should come off the field, but Cobb gives an already-potent offense a weapon like they’ve never had before.
The wildcat is a gadget offense. I will say that all day long, but not when you have a player taking the snap that is accustomed to handling the football, reading blocks and being patient in the run game. We saw that with Cobb at Kentucky and don’t forget one key point: he can throw the football. Talked to a NFL DB coach this past season about the wildcat and he told me the reason it has become ineffective is the lack of a passing threat out of the formation. I would align the rookie in the wildcat in crucial situations (3rd and short, inside the five-yard line, etc.), and put the ball in his hands. He is an athlete—now let him be one for you on Sundays, the National Football Post’s Matt Bowen writes.
The possibilities make my head spin.
If the Packers utilize all of Cobb’s talents, he becomes a game-changer and I’m not just talking about on Sundays.
As soon as the team shows Cobb as a running back, quarterback or puts him in the slot against someone who’s too slow to cover him, opposing teams are going to be forced to game plan for him.
Suddenly, teams worried about slowing [intlink id=”209″ type=”category”]Jermichael Finley[/intlink], preventing [intlink id=”138″ type=”category”]Greg Jennings [/intlink] from getting deep or limiting the one-two punch of [intlink id=”64″ type=”category”]Ryan Grant[/intlink] and [intlink id=”1038″ type=”category”]James Starks[/intlink] have to spend part of their week trying to figure out how to stop Cobb, who could line up almost anywhere.
It’s far too early to know, but a quick glance at the Packers’ offensive weapons tells me we could be talking about the best offense in the history of the game before the 2011 season is over.
Just a little food for thought.