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David Cobb
- Position: Running back (RB)
- Class: Senior (redshirt)
- College: Minnesota
- Ht/Wt: 5'11", 229 pounds
Scouting Report
Are you looking for a grinder at the running back position? You'll like David Cobb. Do you want a guy who can break open a big play? I'm not sure Cobb is there yet. The best part about Cobb is his consistency. He has good vision to read defenders, and patience to set up his blocks. He's not always decisive with where he'll go, but watching him, it seems more like he's waiting for a hole to open than lost as to where to go.
Cobb has good balance and excellent leg strength allowing him to step through weaker tackles and gain additional yards. He doesn't have breakaway acceleration or ankle-breaking cut ability, and he ran a pedestrian 4.81-second 40-yard dash at the Combine (though he injured his quad while he was running it). One issue I noticed was that he sometimes dropped his head and led with the crown of his helmet when breaking tackles. In doing that, he loses sight of the defense and loses his chance to extend the play further.
Cobb wasn't really used as a pass catcher at Minnesota, but their passing offense was pretty much just Maxx Williams. He was used as both a pass blocker and lead blocker, but has improving to do in both of those areas. He carries the ball well, but like any running back who tries to power forward for more yardage, he attracts swarms of defenders, and ends up putting the ball on the ground more than you'd like.
Grade
I have Cobb graded as a fourth-round pick. He could start games as a rookie, although I think he can still improve his decision-making and pass blocking. I'm just not sure how much upside is there. I'm reminded of Rashard Mendenhall when I watch Cobb. He's a powerful back that's tough to bring down, and he'll get you positive yardage most of the time. There's not a lot of wiggle in his game, though, and he doesn't seem like a pass catching type. I'm just not sure he can pace a rushing attack by himself. He seems like a good No. 2 back to me.