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Any receiver in a pass-first offense is a candidate to have a huge season. With the Green Bay Packers having a team that has been pretty much a pass-only offense in recent seasons, there is no reason that last year’s breakout campaign from Randall Cobb has to be the peak for his still young career.
In fact, 2013 is setting up to be an even bigger season for the former do-it-all player for the Kentucky Wildcats. With longtime Packer Greg Jennings heading further north to the divisional rival Minnesota Vikings in free agency, Cobb should be in line for even more looks from quarterback Aaron Rodgers this coming season.
Last year Cobb’s 2,392 all-purpose yards included 964 on kick returns as well as team leading numbers in receptions (80) and receiving yards (954). These numbers were with Jennings still in the fold along as well as Jordy Nelson sharing the looks three ways at the wide receiver position.
Obviously there is going to be competition to get catches even though Jennings has moved on to greener pastures. Nelson had nearly 1,300 yards in 2011, James Jones had 64 grabs a year ago with an NFL leading 14 touchdowns through the air, and tight end Jermichael Finley still figures heavily into the equation as he had 61 catches in 2012.
It’s not popular in the fantasy football realm, but Cobb is a player that will help his Packers team win games in the upcoming year. Regardless of whether or not he is putting up astronomical statistics or not, the Packers have a guy that can help them in many different ways which is invaluable on a 53-man roster.
Is it fair to expect more than 2,392 all-purpose yards from Cobb in 2013?
Sure, I think he can easily get to that number again assuming they still use a player of his offensive value in the kick return role this coming season. Many liken Cobb’s value to that of Percy Harvin in the way he has no set role in the offense but can still make a huge impact on the game. Regardless of how the Packers utilize their biggest playmaker in the coming season, rest assured that he will have his hands on the ball quite often.
Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
