Tag: Randall Cobb

Texans QB Deshaun Watson will have a diverse receiving corps in 2020

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to have a diverse receiving corps with Kenny Stills, Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, and Randall Cobb.

The Houston Texans have been blessed with No. 1 receivers since Andre Johnson’s rookie year in 2003. In 2015, when the club released Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins immediately took over.

Now, the Texans enter a season not knowing who their No. 1 receiver will be. In fact, it may be fair to say they don’t have one on the roster.

For the 2020 season, the Texans will have Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, and Kenny Stills. This will be the first time since the Texans came into the league where they will have such a versatile set of weapons for franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson to throw to.

Losing Hopkins hurts — it hurt really bad. But coach and general manager Bill O’Brien took one player and divided him into four players. Cooks and Fuller bring speed and separation on the outside while Cobb and Stills will work the middle of the field.

Fuller produced 670 yards and three touchdowns for the Texans. However, his problem was staying on the field as he played in 11 games for Houston.

Like Fuller, Cooks missed time in 2019 with 14 games played for the Rams. Still, he managed to collect 583 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Stills had a productive season for the Texans with 561 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The former New Orleans Saint and Miami Dolphin played in 13 games, starting in five of them.

Cobb had a decent bounce back year in his one-season stint with the Dallas Cowboys, tallying 829 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

With Watson’s ability to move out of the pocket these wideouts can shift with ease to help Watson create plays on the run. It will be hard for defenses to cover and account for this much speed and versatility. Also this isn’t even factoring in the running backs, David Johnson and Duke Johnson, who have a knack for pass-catching.

Watson will honestly have the most diverse weapons he has ever had Houston drafted him in the first round in 2017.

Losing DeAndre Hopkins is not good, but on the bright side the Texans have an abundance of wideouts that can give defenses fits. O’Brien the general manager also can use that second-round pick from the Hopkins trade (40th overall) to help O’Brien the coach assemble a better defense.

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NFL officially process Texans WR Randall Cobb, S Eric Murray contracts

The NFL has officially processed the contracts for Houston Texans receiver Randall Cobb and Eric Murray, who the club signed in 2020 free agency.

The Houston Texans have officially processed the contracts of two free agents they signed 2020 free agency.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans have processed the contracts for receiver Randall Cobb and safety Eric Murray.

The Texans agreed to terms with Cobb for three years, $27 million with $18 million guaranteed. Their agreement with Murray was also for three years, but for $18 million with $10.75 million guaranteed.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected free agency in the NFL to where contracts that would normally be locked up within days of the start of the new league year are dragging out. Part of the hold up is the availability of doctors to execute physicals, and then players to sign the actual contracts.

“I still haven’t had my physical yet, so I actually haven’t signed,” Cobb said on March 27. “I live out in L.A. in the offseason right now. Everything is shut down out here, and I haven’t had the opportunity to a doctor’s office and get my physical yet.”

The former 2014 Pro Bowl wideout is now with the Texans, as is Murray.

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Texans’ Randall Cobb credits former Packers WR Jordy Nelson for having big impact on his career

Houston Texans receiver Randall Cobb says that former Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders receiver Jordy Nelson had a profound impact on his career.

Randall Cobb seeks to play in his 10th NFL season with his third team, the Houston Texans.

Having such longevity in the NFL, and a Pro Bowl selection at that, doesn’t come easily. Often times, it takes another leading by example to help athletes along in their careers.

For Cobb, he knows who has had the biggest impact on his career.

“I would say, probably the player was Jordy Nelson when I was up in Green Bay, just looking at the way that he approached things,” Cobb told the Houston media on a conference call on March 27.

When the former 2011 second-round pick from Kentucky arrived to the Green Bay Packers, who were coming off of a win in Super Bowl XLV, the receiving corps was stacked. Nelson was just one of a plethora of receivers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had to choose from, including Pro Bowlers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver along with James Jones.

“Watching the way that they went about their business, watching the way that they communicated with each other, it was all about the team and how they can make each other better, because they know at the end of the day, the more reps that we had on the field, the better that would be overall,” Cobb explained.

Cobb highlighted Nelson particularly because the former 2008 second-round pick from Kansas State was consistent in all of his endeavors.

Said Cobb: “He was the same every day, practiced the same every day. He ate the same meals every morning. He went into the weight room and did what he needed to. Before practice, after practice, throughout. Going into the training room and getting everything that he needed. He made sure he took care of his body and he was very, very good with his communication skills about teaching young guys and helping young guys understand what we were trying to accomplish.”

The Packers never accomplished that in Cobb’s time: adding the franchise’s fifth Super Bowl win. However, with such a consistent approach from Cobb, it should help ease the burden of developing chemistry with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and his new-look receiving corps.

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Texans WR Randall Cobb developed his work ethic from his father

New Houston Texans receiver Randall Cobb says that he developed his work ethic from watching his father work long work weeks in Alcoa, Tennessee.

Randall Cobb is bringing an intense work ethic to the Houston Texans, who signed him to a three-year contract worth $27 million.

Though the former 2014 Pro Bowler is on his third team in as many seasons, the 5-10, 192-pound wideout won’t let up in his pursuit to be a better receiver. Working hard is all he has ever known as a native of Alcoa, Tennesseee.

“My pops [Randall Cobb, Sr.], he worked at a manufacturing company there in town, and then he would come home and do handyman work for people,” Cobb told Houston media on a conference call on March 27.

The elder Cobb may have worked 14-hour days and on weekends, but he still found time to spend with his son. Cobb’s father, who worked at a car parts manufacturing plant, would take him on his side jobs installing ceramic tile floors, building basements, mowing lawns, and plowing driveways in the wintertime.

“We would go out in the little bit of snow that we got, but when we did get it we would go out and shovel snow for other families in the neighborhood that couldn’t,” Cobb said. “He’s always been one that was always working, always doing something to keep busy, and I kind of picked up that trait from him.”

The former 2011 second-round pick from Kentucky was productive for the Green Bay Packers in his 105 games over eight seasons. Cobb collected 470 catches for 5,524 yards and 41 touchdowns.

What motivated Cobb was the same visual that motivated Larry Bird, who won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics from 1979-92: the visual of someone else in the world outworking him. Cobb’s father instilled that in his son.

Said Cobb: “He always taught me if I wasn’t working, there’s somebody out there who’s working to get better than me. That’s kind of how I’ve always looked at it, and sometimes it’s been my gift and my curse.

“Some of the injuries I’ve had have come from overworking, so it’s important for me to make sure that I find that balance and continue to grow as a player.”

Cobb will have one of his greatest challenges in his 10th professional season to remake the Texans’ receiving corps now that three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins is with the Arizona Cardinals. Cobb and the rest of the receiving corps will have to develop their chemistry with two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, who will be playing without a true No. 1 for the first time in his four-year career.

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News: Ha Ha a steal, but Cowboys still need to address safety in draft

Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is considered one of the steals of free agency. Cowboys get good free agency grade. Grant Delpit to Dallas?

After starting strong safety Jeff Heath signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, the need for the Dallas Cowboys to upgrade the safety position became even more paramount. In a strategic move, they added veteran Ha Ha Clinton-Dix for much-needed experience and depth at the position.

Meanwhile, Alabama safety Xavier McKinney has been linked to the Cowboys in the first round in a lot of mock drafts, however, LSU’s Grant Delpit’s ball-hawking style may be more of what new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan wants. Many thought receiver Randall Cobb was a lock to return after the hiring of Mike McCarthy, but he had a reason why he left Dallas for Houston. A scouting report on Dontari Poe, whether or not Dallas should reunite free agent linebacker Clay Matthews with Mike McCarthy, and how the Cowboys have gotten the most out of other franchise’s first-round picks is covered in the News and Notes.

New Cowboys safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was named one of the biggest steals of free agency:: Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys have made moves to help the defensive side of the ball after key departures. Find out why safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix tops the list of free agency acquisitions.

Report: Michael Bennett wants to play another season:: Pro Football Talk

A few waves of NFL free agency have come and gone and free-agent defensive lineman Michael Bennett is still without a home.

Cowboys positional review: How will John Fassel fix Dallas’ special teams unit? :: The Athletic (PayWall)

A look at the special team’s side of things under a new regime. The Athletic breaks down all the positions and what could be still considered “needs” going forward.

Cowboys Free Agency Graded Above Average by Pro Football Focus:: Inside The Star

According to PFF, it has been so far so good for the Dallas Cowboys and their free agency moves. See how every new and or re-signing has been ranked compared to others in the league.

Randall Cobb explains why he left Cowboys for Texans, even after Mike McCarthy was hired by Dallas:: CBS Sports 

Former Cowboys receiver Randall Cobb tells why he left Dallas for Houston even after his old coach was brought on board.

Is LSU’s Grant Delpit the Answer for Cowboys at S?:: Inside The Star 

Alabama’s Xavier McKinney has been a popular choice for the Cowboys at 17 in April’s NFL Draft, but could LSU’s Grant Delpit be a better fit?

Bucky Brooks: Scouting Report on Dontari Poe:: Dallas Cowboys 

This piece breaks down what former All-Pro defensive tackle Dontari Poe brings to the Cowboys in the 1-tech role.

Dallas Cowboys: Should they Sign Free Agent LB Clay Matthews?:: NGSC Sports 

With new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan looking to having the flexibility to use a hybrid model with multiple variations, should the Cowboys consider reuniting Clay Matthews with Mike McCarthy?

The Cowboys have done an outstanding job getting good use of other team’s first-round picks:: Blogging The Boys

This piece breaks down how the Cowboys have a recent history of getting the most out of other franchise’s former prized draft picks.

Cowboys’ Sean Lee: ‘It’s a Matter of Time’ Before Dak Prescott Gets New Contract:: Bleacher Report 

Newly re-signed linebacker Sean Lee talks about how it won’t be long before Dak Prescott is signed long-term.

Tony Romo discusses the 2016 season that ended his career, and how he once played hardball with Bill Parcels:: Blogging The Boys 

Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo talks about his final NFL season and standing firm against his former Hall of Fame coach.

Former Dallas Cowboys running back joins Jon Kitna’s football staff at Burleson High:: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Phillip Tanner once played for the Cowboys with Jon Kitna, now, he joins his old teammates coaching staff at Burleson High School.

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Randall Cobb says it was ‘weird’ not being able to visit Texans before signing

Receiver Randall Cobb says it was a strange experience to sign with the Houston Texans in free agency without actually visiting the club.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire sports, even the NFL, which is in its offseason.

Because of the emphasis on social distancing, free agents were unable to visit prospective teams. Nonetheless, the business of pro football marched on.

For receiver Randall Cobb, he signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Houston Texans without ever stepping foot inside NRG Stadium or anywhere in Harris County.

“That’s probably been the weirdest part,” Cobb told Houston media on a conference call on Friday. “This is my second or third time going through free agency, and normally during the tampering period you can’t really do anything anyway, but once the league year starts and you’re able to go down and meet with the team and meet with the coaches and sit down and watch some film with the coaches and get a good feel for what you’re getting into.”

What Cobb is getting into is a situation where three-time All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins is with the Arizona Cardinals and two-time Pro Bowl quarterback will need to develop better chemistry with his receiving corps, of which Cobb figures to be the impactful slot receiver.

To get an idea of how the Texans offense operated in 2019, Cobb found as many clips as he could on the internet.

“Really that’s the only thing I’ve been doing is kind of watching some of the highlights that I could find on the internet on YouTube, and trying to get an idea,” said Cobb. “I talked to Coach (Bill) O’Brien and kind of felt the way that they’re going to use me and how I can fit into the offense, but it was definitely a little weird this year.”

The 5-10, 192-pound former Pro Bowler still hasn’t had a physical, and he hasn’t signed any contracts officially. Cobb remains in his offseason residence in Los Angeles and hasn’t even had the chance to go to a doctor’s office to take his physical.

Weird times indeed.

However, the Texans are hopeful that Cobb can bring a veteran stability to the receiving corps that will keep their passing game formidable.

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Randall Cobb: All eyes are on the Texans’ receiving corps with DeAndre Hopkins gone

New Houston Texans WR Randall Cobb knows that all eyes are going to be focused on him and the rest of the receiving corps with DeAndre Hopkins gone.

On March 16, reports surfaced the Houston Texans were trading receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals.

Not even 24 hours later, and there were reports the Texans were signing former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys wideout Randall Cobb.

The former 2014 Pro Bowler knows that there will be plenty of scrutiny zeroed in on him and the rest of the receiving corps because of the departure of a three-time All-Pro in Hopkins who was arguably the best receiver in the game.

“I think obviously with DeAndre leaving, it’s going to be a lot of eyes on all three of us to step up and make some plays, and typically me because a lot of people are looking at me and coming in and being a replacement, even though me and DeAndre are two totally different types of receivers,” Cobb told the Houston media on a conference call on Friday. “I look forward to the challenge and coming in and showing what I can do.”

One of Cobb’s best abilities is as a slot receiver, a position where Hopkins thrived. Seemingly, the Texans may not lose production from the slot with the arrival of Cobb. However, on the outside, the Texans don’t have the same presence as they did with Hopkins, which is why Cobb knows the focus will be on “all three” of them — the other two being Will Fuller and Kenny Stills.

“I’m a big fan of them,” said Cobb. “I think you look at Fuller whenever he’s healthy and he’s able to be on the field, he’s an amazing athlete, he’s got a lot of speed, he can take the top off the coverages, he makes some big plays downfield.

“And Kenny is a playmaker. Get the ball in his hands and let him do what he do. I look forward to coming in and being a piece of that.”

Fuller produced 49 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games, the most the former 2016 first-round pick has played in since his rookie year. Stills collected 40 passes for 561 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games as a jack-of-all-trades wideout.

Because of the “unprecedented times,” as Cobb refers to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 29-year-old hasn’t left his offseason residence in Los Angeles to meet any of his new teammates. For now, texting is the medium to make introductions.

Said Cobb: “I used to train with Kenny Stills him a little bit, so I’ve been talking to him. Still trying to get in touch with Fuller and some of the other guys. I’m going to try to get their numbers here shortly so I can reach out and call them and text them and everything.”

When Cobb and his family are able to relocate to Houston, the former 2011 second-round pick from Kentucky knows that he has to develop a strong chemistry with his fellow receivers so quarterback Deshaun Watson doesn’t miss a beat with his former No. 1 now playing in the NFC West.

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Randall Cobb was intrigued by Texans coach Bill O’Brien’s plans to use him similar to Green Bay

Randall Cobb says he chose the Houston Texans because coach Bill O’Brien told his agent he would be used similar to how he was used in Green Bay.

Moving around is a tough proposition for anyone, even if they are a pro football player making millions of dollars. However, if Randall Cobb was going to go to his third NFL city in as many seasons, it better be a good opportunity.

According to Cobb, who met with the Houston media via a conference call on Friday, the Houston Texans were offering more than a three-year deal worth $27 million — they were offering a chance to recapture his high performance play with the Green Bay Packers.

“There were a few teams that made offers or showed interest,” said Cobb, who spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys. “Dallas and Houston were two teams that offered and it was a tough decision to make.

Hearing what my agent was telling me about Coach (Bill) O’Brien and the opportunity that he wanted to give me to kind of do some of the things that I did when I was back in Green Bay, was one of the one of the main reasons that I jumped at the offer.”

Cobb produced 470 catches for 5,524 yards and 41 touchdowns in his 105 career games with the Packers. In 2014, Cobb earned the lone Pro Bowl selection of his career as he hauled in 91 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns, all career highs for the former 2011 second-round pick from Kentucky.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson will need that level of performance from the 29-year-old from Alcoa, Tennessee, especially as the receiving corps lacks a true No. 1 due to the trading of DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson on March 16. One of Hopkins’ best skills was his ability to produce from the slot, which is right in Cobb’s wheelhouse.

If O’Brien is able to get Cobb to play at the high levels he did in Green Bay, the Texans’ passing game should still be taken seriously in 2020.

Randall Cobb chose the Texans because Deshaun Watson can lead Houston to a Super Bowl

Former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers receiver Randall Cobb chose the Houston Texans because Deshaun Watson can lead them to a Super Bowl.

Free agent receiver Randall Cobb chose the Houston Texans, his third team in as many seasons, because he believes Deshaun Watson can lead them to a Super Bowl.

Cobb signed a three-year, $27 million contract to move to the AFC South. The fact the Texans organization has made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons was also a selling point for the former Kentucky Wildcat.

“At this point in my career, I still don’t have a ring, so I want to be in a situation where I have that possibility,” Cobb told Houston media on a conference call. “I think when you look at Deshaun and what he’s been able to do since he’s been in the league, I’ve been really impressed from afar watching him.”

Watson has led the Texans to two straight AFC South titles in the past two seasons, and the Texans faded to a 4-12 finish his rookie season after leaving them 3-4 before tearing his ACL in practice on Nov. 2, 2017. Watson has lost only three games in his career by two scores or more.

“He has tremendous ability, he’s a winner,” said Cobb. “He’s won at every level, from high school to college. I think he has that ability to take us to a Super Bowl and I want to be a part of something special with him.”

Cobb truly will be a part of a special effort in Houston as the club traded three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins on March 16. The former 2014 Pro Bowler with the Green Bay Packers is regarded as an excellent slot receiver; therefore, he ought to be able to replicate Hopkins’ production in the slot.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Cobb has not had a chance to meet his new teammates. The former Packers 2011 second-round pick admits that he has been texting his new starting quarterback frequently.

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Pro Football Focus can’t identify the best move the Texans made in free agency

Pro Football Focus says the Houston Texans did not make a best move in the 2020 NFL free agency period.

Pro Football Focus is at it again, and this time the football analytics firm claims the Houston Texans did not make a best move in free agency.

Author Anthony Treash listed the best and worst moves of all 32 teams in the 2020 NFL free agency period. According to Treash, the AFC South champions for the past two seasons did not make a best move at all.

Outside of the obvious trade, Houston re-signed cornerback Bradley Roby and brought in wide receiver Randall Cobb on contracts that were larger than many thought. Neither of those moves was really that great considering Roby was the 68th most valuable cornerback in 2019 and Cobb has ranked above 50th at his position in PFF receiving grade just once in the last five years. That said, let’s just move onto Houston’s most notable and controversial move made from last week:

The evaluation is a little harsh and even unfair given that the whole premise of the article is that each team made a good and bad move in free agency. Even the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were also selling off talent and have thus far failed to reach a long-term agreement with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, had a “best move” in free agency.

If the Texans need to be excoriated more for their trading of DeAndre Hopkins for David Johnson and a couple of draft picks, then so be it. However, they have made a “best move” in free agency, whether it is the signing of Cobb, safety Eric Murray, or even re-signing their own players. The question is whether or not those moves will be sufficient enough to help the Texans retain their division title, let alone compete for a Super Bowl.

Houston’s impact in free agency was minimal with regards to team building. Now, the Texans must use their draft picks wisely and churn the priority free agent class to find quality depth.

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