I love the pick of Randall Cobb for two reasons. One is that hes a really good player. The other is that I no longer have to write critical posts about Ted Thompsons inability to find an adequate return man. Granted, the second reason is completely selfish, but banging that drum incessantly really got tiring over the years (not to mention very frustrating).

One of the reasons it took Thompson so long to find a legitimate returner is because he was looking for a player who could also help out on offense or defense. That narrowed the field of candidates considerably. There are usually at least a half-dozen experienced and productive returners available in every draft, but the vast majority of those players really dont project to another position at the next level. Thats why the Packers showed absolutely no interest in Stefan Logan (Lions), Eric Weems (Falcons) and Brandon Banks (Redskins) three of the preeminent returners in the National Football League.

Another reason it took Thompson so long to find a legitimate returner is because of his aversion to smaller players. That kept undersized but talented athletes such as Seattles Leon Washington (5-8), San Diegos Darren Sproles (5-6) and Oaklands Jacoby Ford (5-9) off Green Bays radar. Sproles has caught over 100 passes in the past two seasons, Ford had 470 yards receiving as a rookie and Washington has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards since 2006.

The irony of drafting Cobb in the second round is that even he doesnt fulfill both of the above requirements. He can certainly play wide receiver, but he stands only a shade over 5-10. That means Thompson had to soften his stance on height in order to finally give coach Mike McCarthy and special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum a legitimate return man. So what made a GM so steadfast in his beliefs willing to compromise just a bit? Perhaps a season of watching Jordy Nelson fumble, Sam Shields tip-toe sideways and Brandon Jackson run into the back of his blockers was enough to make him reconsider. Whatever the reason, the Packers will finally have a legitimate returner bringing back kicks and punts next season. And I couldnt be more thrilled both as a fan and as a writer.

"UP" wrote:

Perhaps a season of watching Jordy Nelson fumble, Sam Shields tip-toe sideways and Brandon Jackson run into the back of his blockers was enough to make him reconsider. Whatever the reason, the Packers will finally have a legitimate returner bringing back kicks and punts next season. And I couldnt be more thrilled both as a fan and as a writer.

"nerdmann" wrote: