What the Packers should expect from Randall Cobb in 2022

Randall Cobb is primed for a big role in the Packers revamped receiving core, as the veteran receiver is back for his 10th season in Green Bay and 12th overall. The former Kentucky Wildcat is expected to be a big contributor for an offense that lost two of it's prime receivers in All-Pro Davante Adams and speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The team brought in veteran receiver Sammy Watkins on a one-year deal earlier this offseason, along with three rookies in second-round pick Christian Watson, fourth-round pick Romeo Doubs, and seventh-round pick Samori Toure. Allen Lazard is an additional veteran holdover. Cobb is a true professional and a great teacher, especially when it comes to catching passes from QB Aaron Rodgers.

Cobb's primary position is in the slot. His smaller 5-10 frame allows him to be quick and shifty in the middle of the field when he has to be. Despite missing five games in 2021, Cobb still managed to record more touchdowns that he did in the previous five seasons (5). Aaron Rodgers had a passer rating of 141.6 when targeting the former Pro Bowl receiver, which is also pretty darn good. He also had his fourth-best season in terms of yards per target (9.6). Even in his 11th career season, he proved he could still get down the field and make plays for the offense. He had two games with multiple touchdowns in 2021, including Green Bay's Week 8 win in the desert against the Arizona Cardinals. Cobb only had 3 receptions for 15 yards, but 2 went for touchdowns. This was important because Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling all missed that game due to injury or COVID. Like he has his entire career, Randall Cobb stepped up for his team when they need him most.

But there is even more pressure on veterans like Cobb and Allen Lazard going into 2022. They, along with eight-year veteran Sammy Watkins, will be tasked with carrying most of the top targets from Rodgers as the rookies get up to speed in Head Coach Matt LaFleur's offense. No skill-position player has played with Aaron Rodgers longer than Randall Cobb has and as a result, he will provide No. 12 with a solid security blanked in the slot. He will also help bring second-year receiver Amari Rodgers, who happens to be a very close family friend of Cobb's, along behind him. 

No. 18 is still chasing that coveted Super Bowl ring. He has another great chance to achieve it this upcoming season. But he is going to have to carry a larger load than he has had to carry in past seasons.