Nate Hobbs Enters Pivotal Year of Raiders Career

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs is in for a major season of his career.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs enjoyed a career season in 2023. 

Despite missing four games with an ankle injury, Hobbs posted a career-high 86 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven passes defended, a sack, and an interception. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Hobbs was targeted 82 times and allowed 63 receptions for 588 yards and three touchdowns. While he had a few rough games, he was impressive overall. 

The Raiders struck gold when they found Hobbs in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Illinois. He contributed immediately as a rookie and solidified himself as a core member of the Raiders’ defense. 

It wasn’t the same story in 2022, as Hobbs dealt with injuries and inconsistent play. Hobbs’ future with the Raiders came into question, and it suddenly became dependent on how he played in 2023. 

Hobbs did more than deliver in 2023. He became an emotional leader for the Raiders’ defense. Any questions about Hobbs’ future as a Raider diminished quickly as he made another tackle for loss or pass break up to help get the Raiders’ offense the ball back. 

However, Hobbs still has work to do. He still dealt with injuries and some rough individual moments last season. His overall body of work, though, is encouraging. He has to have another year of consistency in 2024 to earn a long-term contract from the Raiders. 

Hobbs found a home in the slot. According to PFF, he played 504 snaps there in 2023. The second-most snaps he played were in the box. He played his best ball when he was attacking the run at the line of scrimmage and covering slot receivers and tight ends over the middle of the field. 

The Raiders must address outside cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft so Hobbs does not have to deviate from the slot. He will still produce if he has to move outside, but he is best when playing that Nickel role. 

Hobbs should be largely credited for the Raiders’ defensive turnaround halfway through the 2023 season. The 2024 season will tell whether he will be a long-term member of the Raiders.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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