NFL Draft: David Cobb scouting report

David Cobb, RB, Minnesota

Projected Round: 3-4

Measurables

5'11", 229 lbs

Stats

2014: 314 ATT, 1,626 YDS, 5.2 AVG, 13 TD

2013: 237 ATT, 1,202 YDS, 5.1 AVG, 7 TD

Awards

2014: Second Team All-Big-Ten

Strengths

Had great production in a tough conference. Against Ohio State and their star-studded defensive line, Cobb ran for 145 yards and 3 touchdowns. In the film below against a Michigan defense that ranked 15th best in the nation against the run giving up only 117 yards per game and 3.2 yards per rush, Cobb ran for 183 yards averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Even more impressive about these stats is Cobb achieved them behind a mediocre offensive line.

Cobb uses his size to his advantage as he is a powerful and compact running back that runs hard. He has great vision and excels between the tackles. Cobb's most impressive stat is that he gained 54 % of his yardage after contact. For a running back his size, Cobb has surprisingly good balance and changes direction easily. He thrives in the red zone and has a nose for touchdowns.

Weaknesses

At the 2015 NFL Combine, Cobb ran a 4.81 40-YD Dash. He is slower than ideal for the positon and is not explosive. Cobb lacks elite acceleration and does not have first-step quickness. If you are looking for a dynamic running back, Cobb is not your man; the best word to describe him would be efficient.

Verdict

Cobb reminds me of Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell. Both have great size and similar styles of running. Bell doesn't have elite speed (4.6 40-yard dash) but is still an elite running back because he can pound out five yards a carry.

Like Bell, David Cobb has soft hands and is a threat out of the backfield as he combined for 336 receiving yards in the past two seasons. So while David Cobb is not dynamic, he is efficient. While he may not break off long touchdown runs, when you need five yards, you can give the ball to Cobb and trust he is going to get them for you.

Cobb is a second round talent in my book, but he will fall to the third or fourth round because of the depth at running back in the 2015 NFL Draft and because running backs are becoming devalued.

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