Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

Nick Underhill
The Saints signed Simmie Cobbs off Washington’s practice squad, per source

Cobbs is a bigger guy. 6-foot-3, 220 pounds Played well during the preseason Still, a lot to learn Could develop

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

Player Bio
The all-state pick from Illinois originally committed to Purdue, but instead enrolled at Indiana after he heard the Boilermakers wanted him to play defense. He got a chance to play in every game as a receiver in his true freshman season, catching seven passes for 114 yards. Cobbs' game took a big step forward in 2015, starting all 13 games and garnering honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades by leading the team in receiving with 60 receptions for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, Cobbs suffered a season-ending ankle injury on the first series of the 2016 season opener. He returned healthy, however, for 2017 using his size, physicality, and strong hands to threaten defenses all season long. Cobbs garnered first-team All-Big Ten honors as a junior, topping the Hoosiers with 72 receptions for 841 yards and eight touchdowns. Cobbs was arrested during a July 2017 concert for refusal to identify himself and resisting arrest after he did not leave the aisle open and refused a breathalyzer test.

Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

NFL Comparison
Dez Lewis

Overview
Cobbs' size and body control down the field will be enticing to teams, but he doesn't separate and he lacks general quickness. Cobbs toggles between bad drops and great catches and needs to find more stability as a pass catcher since he'll have to make a living handling contested catch situations. Cobbs may need scheme help to get off the line against big, press corners and looks unlikely to become a heavily targeted receiver as a pro. His 40-yard dash time at the Combine will be crucial for his draft stock.

Strengths
Has NFL size and frame
Shows ability to bully smaller cornerbacks
Can body and separate near goal line and understands how to widen passer windows with his free arm on deep sideline throws
Focus and hand-eye coordination improve the further down the field he goes
Got after Ohio State in season-opener with a variety of comeback routes and back shoulder catches
Body control comes very naturally
Routes are smooth when unchallenged in space
Zone-beater who finds the holes and widens out as a target for his quarterback
Plus ball tracking
Can disguise when throws are about to land and will activate big hands at last second to defeat opponents
Willing to put some work in as a blocker

Weaknesses
Gets derailed by strong press corners
Play speed is a concern for evaluators
Unable to climb past corners and stack them up
Tight man coverage stays tight
Slow stutter-and-go makes double moves ineffective
Gears down when turning to find the football on vertical routes
Below average separation quickness and can't run under the deep throws
Allows leaping cornerbacks to knock away too many tall balls
Gets lazy with catch technique
Posted dismal career drop rate of 11.4 percent including sure-fire touchdowns against Purdue, Ohio State and Rutgers
Struggles with securing low throws
Requires accurate passer as a pro
Too reliant upon size and will need to become a more proficient route-runner

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

Don't hold your breath folks.

He might be "Swooped" up on Monday. Get it :p? ... You know Erik Swoope, the guy that lasted 24 hours before being waived? Oh never mind .. carry on.

TGIF!

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

I think we've reached triple digits in WR-RB transactions...Andy Tanner, leave your ringer om

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

From Dane Brugler’s 2018 Draft Guide:

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Indiana, Cobbs grew into the starting “X” receiver in the Hoosiers’ offense, lining up almost exclusively on the left side of the formation – leaves Bloomington ranked top-10 in school history in career catches (139) and receiving yards (1,990). He is physically impressive and his basketball background is evident, showing the ability to box out, out-physical defenders and handle the ball. While he isn’t an elusive player, Cobbs is more than just a possession target, always looking to turn catches downfield and create after the catch. Overall, he needs work with his route-running and the finer points of the position, but Cobbs has some Mike Evans to his game with his size and ball skills to be a reliable chain-mover in the NFL.

GRADE: 4th Round

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

From what I've read on Cobbs ...

He can't go from the Redskins practice squad to Saints p/s. So for now, he's on our 53.

I'll welcome any WR not named Thomas/Kamara who can help keep the chains moving.

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

Have to do this to win. Constant upgrades even if marginal upgrades or perceived upgrades. PS but, if it makes the starters better then good enough. That is still an upgrade.

Re: Saints sign Simmie Cobbs of Redskins Practice Squad
 

Sounds like a slightly better Brandon Coleman.