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Redskins UDFA Spotlight: WR Simmie Cobbs has mid-round talent despite undrafted billing

By Jacob Camenker

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 25: Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers makes a one-yard touchdown catch over Da'Wan Hunte #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers in the first quarter of a game at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 25: Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers makes a one-yard touchdown catch over Da'Wan Hunte #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers in the first quarter of a game at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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WINSTON-SALEM, NC – SEPTEMBER 26: Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs with the ball against Hunter Williams #30 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field on September 26, 2015 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – SEPTEMBER 26: Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs with the ball against Hunter Williams #30 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field on September 26, 2015 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Cobbs’ on-field performance

Cobbs played at Indiana for three seasons, but he only saw a lot of playing time in two of them. His best campaign came during his sophomore season. During that year, he caught 60 passes for a career-high 1,035 yards. He also caught four scores and had some downfield, playmaking ability. However, the next year he proceeded to get hurt in his first game and missed the season. It was expected he would bounce back, and he did.

As a senior, Cobbs caught 72 passes for 841 yards and eight scores. While he wasn’t as dynamic of a downfield threat as he was during his time working with Nate Sudfeld, it was still clear that he had the ability to play an important role. And also, he has the upside to develop into a physical possession receiver in the NFL.

When watching Cobbs play, it’s pretty clear that his best trait is his size. Cobbs has a very solid 6-foot-3, 220 pound frame that will allow him to be a physical, jump ball receiver at the next level. And that’s what makes him such an intriguing prospect.

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During Cobbs’ career, he made a lot of contested catches. In fact, it seemed that he was always trying to rise above other defensive backs to go up and make catches. This could have been because it was his best skill set, but it also could have been partially due to his lack of overall speed. That may have forced him to have to function as a possession receiver as opposed to a downfield threat.

Though this lack of speed could be a slight problem for Cobbs at the NFL level, the fact that he was able to be very productive while mostly serving as a possession receiver is encouraging. Cobbs also had a phenomenal season opener against Ohio State that saw him catch 11 passes for 149 yards and a score. And he was matched up with No. 4 overall pick Denzel Ward on many of these occasions, so he definitely will be able to beat NFL caliber cornerbacks if he continues to develop.

For the NFL level, Cobbs reminds me a bit of Quincy Enunwa. Both have very good size and have the strength needed to be a big, possession receivers. Enunwa took some time to develop with the Jets after being a sixth round pick, and he does have a bit more speed than Cobbs. But, it’s possible that Cobbs could become a solid starter, as Enunwa has during his time with the Jets.

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