Green Bay Packers: Randall Cobb injury opens door for J’Mon Moore
The Green Bay Packers have the perfect replacement for Randall Cobb if his injury lingers into the season as J’Mon Moore is a perfect fit for Cobb’s role.
The days of Jordy Nelson as the alpha receiver for the Green Bay Packers are gone. Davante Adams is expected to be Aaron Rodgers’ top target. While Randall Cobb should see his role increase, he was recently seen at less than 100 percent health.
Unfortunately, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Cobb is currently wearing a walking boot after injuring his ankle. Although Cohen reported that Cobb will be ready Week 1 against the Bears, the report does state that he’ll be eased into action (likely) at training camp.
However, the absence of Cobb in camp could be a blessing in disguise for the Packers. In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Packers selected three receivers: J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, respectively.
With Cobb slow to get into the action at camp, one of there three receivers will have the opportunity to step up. Moore, the Missouri product of the group, has all the tools to be the next man up.
The early success of Rodgers and the Packers had offensive coordinator Joe Philbin to thank. In 2011, the Packers had their most successful regular season in years with a 15-1 record. Rodgers threw for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns, completing 68 percent of his passes. Now, Philbin has returned to the Packers as offensive coordinator after a brief stint with Miami Dolphins as a head coach (2012-25).
Although there’s a plan to build the Packers offense from the ground up, Philbin’s system does allow the slot receiver to flourish. During his first season with Miami, Devon Bess was targeted 104 times from the slot. Additionally, in Jarvis Landry’s rookie season under Philbin, he caught 84 passes on 112 targets.
Moore can experience similar success should Cobb miss time come the regular season. Even if he doesn’t though, this time in camp should allow the Packers to evaluate Moore as an inside guy because he shares similar traits to some of the receivers Philbin coached in years past.
Moore is nearly 6-3, weighing 206 pounds with great speed as he works all three levels of the field. In this case, he’d be asked to primarily across the middle of the field. Cobb played inside a lot last season and has throughout his career. This past year, Cobb ranked in the middle of the pack (16) as a slot receiver on Bleacher Report’s NFL 1000.
Part of the reason for the low ranking was injuries that negatively impacted his explosiveness. In comes Moore, who has all the traits of a slot receiver, but the body of a boundary guy. Moore has an excellent stick move and quickness when running routes. Also, Moore is dangerous after the catch, understanding how to break and avoid tackles.
The Packers drafted Moore in the fourth round along with the two other receivers after Jordy Nelson was cut. Many expected the group of receivers, who are all over 6-2, to compete for a spot on the boundary, while Cobb manned the slot position.
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Nevertheless, with Cobb nursing an injury, there are reps and opportunities open for the taking. Unlike the other two receivers drafted, Moore is capable of playing inside and out. His talent may even allow the Packers to think about life after Cobb, who will become a free agent after next season.