Randall Cobb has been a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers has a good relationship with Randall Cobb. On The Pat McAfee Show this week, Rodgers suggested the 12-year NFL veteran should be on the field more this season. With the exception of the 2019-20 seasons, Cobb has been a staple for Rodgers since he came to the league in 2011. He has over 6000 yards receiving and 46 touchdowns with the Packers.
Cobb is 32 years old. That’s relatively old for the NFL at the wide receiver position. The Packers will need to consider looking for a possible replacement for the Pro Bowl wide receiver. One analyst suggests the Packers go for his replacement in the 2023 draft.
Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus published a mock draft for 2023 recently. They have the Packers taking North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft:
Downs is that level of electric in the open field where teams can forgive his size concerns (5-foot-10, 175 pounds). He’s racked up 230 yards on 22 catches with four scores in three games this year. He can be the Randall Cobb replacement in the Packers’ offense.
Cobb will be hard to replace
Randall Cobb is still a little more sturdy than Downs, although they share a similar height. Downs will likely put some weight on when he joins the NFL, but he’s currently 20 pounds shy of Cobb. It would be interesting to see how Downs runs with the extra weight.
Rodgers is another factor too. If he sticks around for another year or so, Rodgers would likely feel more comfortable with the veteran Cobb. He’s been impressed with rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs, but it took some time for him to be friendly with the rookies.
If Rodgers retires following a Super Bowl run this season, all bets are off the table. A newcomer at quarterback or Jordan Love might want a new version of Cobb. Cobb had the most receiving yards for the Packers when Love started against the Kansas City Cheifs last season. If Downs can bring Cobbs’ unique skills to the Packers, Love might have an easier time transitioning into the starter role.
