BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Pick No. 59: Atlanta Falcons Select Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

by Michael Bean on Apr 27, 2011 6:23 AM EDT in 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft

Many thanks to one of the site's readers I always enjoy hearing from, Bluegrass Steeler, for his pick and write up for the Atlanta Falcons at pick No. 59. By the way, Comcast/Xfinity was interested in placing an advertorial all day as the second post on our main page, so check out the interview with Rich Eisen if you're so inclined. But just a heads up that it's there and will remain as the second post on the page no matter how much content gets published on Wednesday. Thanks for you all's support. Next up: the hated New England Patriots, represented by the not at all hated NYSteelersFan4. - Michael B. -

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So, to quickly recap: After considering a number of different players (including Mike Pouncey who has become a Patriot in this nightmarish mock draft world gone wrong), the Falcons picked Iowa Defensive End Adrian Clayborn with pick #27 in the 2011 NFL Draft. So, given how the board has fallen, what's next present the Falcons faithful get to open on draft weekend?

First, I'm tempted - as the Falcons surely would be - to double dip in the deep defensive end crop. The Falcons have shown an awful lot of interest in Miami DE Allen Bailey. Bailey is a bit of a tweener; he could probably bulk up and play the 5-technique, be the strong side end opposite Clayborn, or even compete with Clayborn at the Right End position. Bailey worries me however. He was never overly productive in college despite his amazing physique and very impressive athleticism. And if there's one thing I find troubling in defensive linemen it's the whole "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane" phenomena. In other words, even though Bailey has the athleticism to be a good player, I'm not sure if he has the attitude to play the run down after down at LE not to mention constantly fight chips from TE's and RB's on passing downs.

Offensive line is another consideration that has some value here. Matt Ryan still can't completely carry a team on his back, he needs an effective ground game to keep the pass rush off him and make the defenses stay honest. The Falcons have a number of free agents on OL, not all of who have obvious replacements currently on the roster. Taking a guy like Orlando Franklin (Obviously I've got Miami on my mind) wouldn't be a bad move here. Franklin is a masher that could be a great right tackle in a physical, run first blocking scheme with the versatility to play both guard positions and even some LT in a pinch. Franklin also gives you a pair of young, bookend tackles with Sam Baker manning the LT position. On the other hand, I'm not sold on Baker at LT yet and if I'm going to draft a tackle in the 2nd round I at least want to think it's possible he could start at LT down the road. I don't see that in Franklin. Ultimately. Franklin is an RT in the NFL and should only be used on the other side in the event of injury. If I'm the Falcons I'm thinking I can get a similar sort of player - although not quite as good - in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

Heck, the Falcons might be able to trade up in round 3 and still get Franklin or another similar player like James Carpenter.

How about wide receiver? And here in the 2nd round is what I call the sweet spot of the draft for the Falcons, it's the moment in which need perfectly meets value. While a number of WR's are off the board (Green, Jones, T. Smith, Hankerson, Baldwin) one of my favorites remains: Kentucky's Randall Cobb. I actually like Cobb as an NFL prospect better than Torrey Smith or Leonard Hankerson, and not just because he's a Wildcat. Rather, Cobb possess good (although, admittedly not outstanding) physical tools combined with a supreme worth ethic, polished route running, great hands, a nice feel for the soft spots in zone coverage, and uncommon versatility. Plus, and this is what may make him indispensible for the Falcons, he's a willing run blocker who's cracked more than a few heads in the SEC.

Cobb comes from a pro style offense at UK in which he was expected to know (and know well) the entire route tree. Cobb, it seems to me, can come in an be a good #2 receiver behind Roddy White during his 1st season in large part because he can do so many things well. He can get open underneath due to his high football IQ, he can streak deep if the defender sleeps on him a bit, he can play closer to the line on running plays, and he can even contribute during gadget plays (Cobb started several games at UK as a QB early on). He would allow the Falcons to either let go or demote Michael Jenkins and allow Harry Douglas to take his natural position in the slot. Having a solid #2 receiver with such versatility could open up things more for Tony G who can still be effective as a receiving TE if he's the 3rd option in an offense. Heck, he can even take Jerious Norwood's place as the primary kick and put returner.

Cobb's versatility, work ethic, competitiveness, and ability to contribute to multiple phases of the game make him an easy pick for the Falcons in the 2nd.

BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Selections:

ROUND 2

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Comments

Nice writeup, BlueGrass

I’m not personally as high on Cobb as the community seems to be, I just don’t think he projects as much more than a slot guy in the NFL. Of course I could easily be wrong with that but, his play style just seems to be that of a Hines Ward kind of player, which obviously whoever drafts him hopes he becomes.

At this juncture I think you would most likely see Pettis going, he is just too physically talented and would be a great compliment to White, much like a Welker and Moss combo that NE has in 2008.

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by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Apr 27, 2011 6:38 AM EDT reply actions

I'm not so smart, but..

I think that Cobb is rated much higher than Pettis? I’ve been a casual observer of Cobb during his collegiate career and he can and will do anything to help the team win: play WR, QB, or RB…run back kicks and punts…BLOCK. He is a gamer in the style of Hines, IMHO. He would make a good replacement for Hines in Black & Gold.

"We have met the enemy and he is us" - Pogo (1970)

by Andy34 on Apr 27, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m not saying I dislike Cobb, at all. Unfortunately he reminds me a lot more of ARE than Hines, so he will be a decent 3, trick plays and PR guy, not a #1 receiver.

Pettis on the other hand has all the tools and ability to be exactly like DeSean Jackson (Also drafted late 2nd).

As to Pettis’ draft stock it is really an opinion thing, I’ve seen him at a late 1st rounder all the way to mid 3rd. I have his value as a mid 2.

Xbox Live Gamertag - IMIeursault currently MW2 and Madden 11.

Official BTSC representative in the Xbox Live Online Franshise 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/user/infamousxBouncers sub to it for commentary's of the games in the online franchise aswell as other Madden and Call of Duty gameplay.

by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Apr 27, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Don't disagree w/Cobb as a #2, but...

that was what he was being drafted for by Bluegrass Steeler…not to replace Roddy White at #1, but to complement him at #2. And I don’t disagree w/ your assessment of Pettis potential…I just think he has a much higher bust potential.

"We have met the enemy and he is us" - Pogo (1970)

by Andy34 on Apr 27, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Working on my write-up now, it will be up as soon as I can get it done.

As for Cobb, I really like him, I’ve got a feeling he could be a good player in some fashion down the road. Good skill set, and a good mind for the game.

I have not yet begun to procrastinate.

by NYSteelersFan4 on Apr 27, 2011 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

Cobb

It seems like what I read when I researched him was that he wasn’t polished in his routes. But, he’s probably good value here. From my years in Atlanta, the Falcons have become my number 2 team, so I would hope he pans out well.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Apr 27, 2011 9:52 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Cobb

UK student here, same class as Cobb. Just wanted to put my analysis in after watching him tons over the last three years.

Pros: The does two things very well that I love in WR’s, catching over the middle and blocking. Cobb has really good hands and he uses good form when catching the ball. He does not shy away from contact and is a tough runner with the ball in his hands. At 5’11 200 lbs, I can personally attest that the guy is built like a statue, every bit of it is muscle. He gets good leverage when blocking, and almost always finishes. Although he doesn’t lay guys out like Ward.

Third thing really in his favor is that he has a very high IQ. Freshman year we had major QB issues, so we inserted Cobb in. He successfully ran Rich Brook’s Pro style offense against SEC defenses. Lately he only played QB in wildcat formations, but was always a threat to throw.

He is very good at route running and is very good after the catch.

The guy has tremendous work ethic and is willing to do everything, which minimizes his bust potential.

Cons: For his size, he doesn’t have great speed. His vertical isn’t very impressive and probably isn’t agile enough to shake better corners. He is made in the Ward mold of not being particularly fast, but fast enough. He is built like Ward and possesses similar skill set, question is if he has the same killer instinct and leadership abilities.

Overall, if he were still around at the 31st pick of the Second round, I would be happy with Cobb as a best player overall pick, as he doesn’t fill a pressing need that could b addressed at the position.

by jreser on Apr 27, 2011 1:29 PM EDT reply actions