2018 Raiders Draft Prospect: WR Simmie Cobbs

2018 Raiders Prospect Profile

Name: Simmie Cobbs Jr.

Position: WR

School: Indiana

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 220 pounds

Round Projection: 2-3

Route Running

Like larger sized wide receivers, Sammie Cobbs Jr. will need to improve his route tree at the next level. Cobbs operated as the red zone threat at Indiana and ran mostly deep patterns. Not his fault because of what was asked from him by the coaching staff, but it put the 6’4” WR behind the 8-ball some. When the playmaker did run the underneath routes, Cobbs demonstrated the ability to work his way back to the football. The foundation is there.

Hands

Cobbs has sturdy hands and typically wins the 50-50 passes in the air. Younger receivers tend to use their bodies to catch the ball, but Cobbs does a good job of getting his hands out there.

Ability

First thing that jumps out at you when you think of Cobbs is his tape versus Ohio State last season. In that game, the Hoosier star got the best of the Buckeyes secondary for 11 receptions, 149 yards and one touchdown. Cobbs was fluid and displayed great body control when the ball was in the air. However, Cobbs looked somewhat inconsistent throughout his junior season. Big reason was his inability to get separation from defensive backs on a consistent basis.

Speed/Strength

Although he should to run the 40-yard dash around 4.55 seconds, Cobbs lacks the quick burst off the line. Cobbs does not explode off his breaks, minimizing the gap between himself and the corner. On the other hand, what Cobbs lacks in burst, he gains with his strength. The 220-pound wide receiver bullies opposing defenders for the football and in blocking.

Raiders Fit

Entering last season, the wide receivers for the Raiders looked set for the next few years. After a rough 2017, things have changed some. Therefore, the Raiders could be in the market for a free agent receiver this offseason. If Oakland strikes out in free agency and Michael Crabtree gets released, the team will need to draft a new red zone threat. Cobbs fits that mode and could help the team right out of the gate. Because of his lack of “speed”, the former Hoosier could slip to the third round. If so, Derek Carr could have himself a solid weapon in the passing game.