IUFB Pro Day Primer: WR Simmie Cobbs

Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

Simmie Cobbs will have a place in Indiana football history for several reasons. Obviously, Cobbs’ prolific career on the field has earned him some serious hype as an NFL prospect. He is being talked about among NFL scouts as one of the more impressive, big-bodied wide receivers in his class. Cobbs posted remarkable numbers throughout his tenure in Bloomington, and at times, he was simply unbeatable. Some Hoosier fans might forget Simmie Cobbs was set to be a Boilermaker.

Cobbs was a three-star recruit from River Forest High School outside of Chicago. He was an all-state selection as a senior and was named his team’s most valuable player. Cobbs was among the top-150 wide receivers in the country at the time of his recruitment. Cobbs committed to Purdue and maintained his pledge to the university for some time. However, when he found out the Boilermakers plan was to turn Cobbs into a cornerback, he was forced to re-evaluate things. He promptly decommitted from Purdue and signed his national letter of intent to play for Indiana University. A decision that would pay off for both Cobbs and the Hoosiers.

As a true freshman, Cobbs played in all twelve games and earned a start in the Old Oaken Bucket Game. His size made him ready for the physicality of the Big Ten. Cobbs caught just seven passes for 114 yards during his first season, but he proved he could be a major contributor moving forward. With quarterback Nate Sudfeld at the helm, Cobbs was ready to be a star as a sophomore. He stepped up in a major way, turning in a decorated second year. Cobbs reeled in 60 catches for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns. He became just the sixth Hoosier wide receiver to record a 1,000-yard season. He finished third in the conference in receiving yards and eighth in receptions.

Cobbs became a big play machine and serious threat to catch deep passes. Starting in all 13 games, Cobbs led the team in catches five times and receiving yards six times. He caught a career-long 55-yard pass in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. He caught four 40-yard passes, 11 30-yard passes, and 20 20-yard passes. Cobbs’ 17.2 yards per catch average was good enough for third best in the Big Ten. He was named three-time IU offensive player of the week. He netted five catches for 84 yards and a touchdown in a win against Purdue. Cobbs received an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Team voted by coaches and media.

With new quarterback Richard Lagow coming to Bloomington, Cobbs looked poised to have a monster finish to his IU career. He was named to the preseason Maxwell Award and Biletnikoff Award Watch Lists. Unfortunately, Cobbs only appearance as a junior resulted in a season-ending injury. He was able to receive a medical redshirt. Cobbs spent the season rehabbing and placed all his focus on making sure he was fully healthy for the next year.

Cobbs returned to full strength for the 2017 season, but perhaps no one expected the offensive explosion that would soon follow. He started the year off with a bang by recording 11 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State in the season opener. Cobbs played in all 12 games despite being hampered by some dings and bruises. He racked up 72 receptions which was good enough for second in the Big Ten and 29th in the nation. He accumulated 841 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Cobbs led the Hoosiers in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns. He finished top ten in the conference in yards per catch and receiving yards per game. Cobbs scored a touchdown in seven different games. He was unstoppable.

Cobbs was named two-time IU offensive player of the week. He was selected IU’s Offensive Player of the Year and was again named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. Cobbs was also voted First Team All-Big Ten by coaches and media. Following the conclusion of the 2017 season, Simmie Cobbs was faced with a decision. Thanks to Indiana’s Student Bill of Rights, Cobbs can pursue a professional career and return to school to finish his degree in the future. He made the choice to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft process. Cobbs finished his IU career ranked fourth in program history with seven 100-yard games, eighth in receptions (139), and ninth in yards (1,990).

The Indiana football legend participated in all seven drills at the NFL Combine. Cobbs posted average numbers in most of the drills, however, he excelled in the 60-yard shuttle and three-cone drill. He ranked among the top four wide receivers in those two drills. Overall, Cobbs did not demonstrate elite speed, quickness, or athleticism to make him a top tier wide receiver prospect. Cobbs still has a number of other assets that will earn him a chance to make an impact at the next level. Pro Day will offer Cobbs another shot to impress NFL scouts.

NFL.com offers a detailed scouting report on Simmie Cobbs’ strengths and weaknesses. Scouts are critical of Cobbs’ ability to create separation from NFL cornerbacks. He tends to be bothered by tight press coverage and lacks the necessary open-field moves to get himself open. He relies a bit too much on his size and can struggle with low throws. IU fans are aware of Cobbs’ drop issues. He recorded an alarming 11.4% drop rate in college, often missing some very easy catches. Cobb will require an accurate passer, but luckily for him, there are plenty of those in the NFL. It’s worth mentioning that Cobbs will be more than two years removed from his season ending injury. It’s very possible Cobbs cutting ability and overall speed can improve.

Cobbs makes up for his weaknesses by being elite in several areas. Cobbs has long possessed ideal NFL-level height and weight for a wide receiver. Cobbs is extremely difficult to defend in goal line situations. He is an expert at hauling in jump balls and 50/50 passes. Cobbs is extremely proficient at using his size to get open down field and work the sidelines. He has a superb feel for back shoulder throws, comeback routes, and fades. Cobbs has above-average instincts at finding gaps in zone defenses, especially when his quarterback escapes the pocket. He is a natural athlete who possesses excellent body control on the ground and in the air. Cobbs is very physical and not afraid to be a bully as a blocker.

Cobbs is currently projected to be drafted in the fifth-round by some outlets, while others could see him being selected in the third-round. Whichever NFL team ends up with Cobbs will be lucky to have him. His potential is through the roof and his flaws can be mitigated with NFL coaching and experience. Simmie Cobbs will be remembered by IU football fans for his exceptional playmaking ability. The Hoosier playmaker will soon be playing on Sundays.

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