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Packers see Ty Montgomery as a 'bigger Randall Cobb'

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers love receiver Randall Cobb. On Friday, they think they might have found another one like him, only bigger.

That's how they view third-round pick Ty Montgomery of Stanford.

Like Cobb, who stands 5-foot-10¼ and is listed at 192 pounds, Montgomery looks like a prototypical slot receiver. Although Stanford listed Montgomery at 6-2, he actually measured 5-11 7/8 at the scouting combine and weighed 221 pounds.

"He's more like a Cobb," said Sam Seale, the Packers' scout for the West region. "He's a bigger Cobb."

Montgomery called that "flattering."

"I haven't played a down in the NFL, and I'm just going to try to live up to be the best Ty Montgomery I can be for the Green Bay Packers," he said in a conference call shortly after he was picked. "And I'm still just kind of speechless about it. But that's very flattering and that makes me happy to hear, but I've just got to be the best Ty Montgomery I can be."

Montgomery caught 172 passes for 2,125 yards with 15 touchdowns in four seasons for the Cardinal. But his best attribute might be as a kick returner, something the Packers were sorely missing last season. The Packers ranked 31st in kickoff return average last season, with backup running back DuJuan Harris handling the job until late in the year, when the Packers returned to Cobb and defensive back Micah Hyde.

"I think he's faster than the guy we had last year returning kicks," Seale said. "I think he’s more explosive. When he touches the ball, he hits the hole."

Montgomery is Stanford's career kickoff return leader with 2,493 yards. He returned three for touchdowns and averaged 27.4 yards per return.

He did not start returning punts until last season but had two touchdowns and averaged 19.8 yards on a dozen return attempts.

"Well, he's a very strong runner, very instinctive, has good quickness -- all the things you look for," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said. "And I think the key thing is his strength level is better than most."

It was the second straight year that Thompson used a second-day draft pick on a receiver. He took Davante Adams in the second round last year. Montgomery likely falls in behind Jordy Nelson, Cobb and Adams on the depth chart at receiver. The Packers also have last year's draft picks Jared Abbrederis (fifth round) and Jeff Janis (seventh round) returning. In 11 drafts, Thompson has now drafted 15 receivers, which is tied for second-most among all positions.

"We've got an offensive head coach," Thompson said. "Seriously, the game is that sort of game. Since I've been here we've had Brett Favre playing quarterback or Aaron Rodgers, so you like to get them as many people to throw to as you can."