What Will Nate Hobbs' Role Be in 2023?

For several reasons, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs did not have the season he would have liked in 2022.

Hobbs was injured for five consecutive weeks in the middle of the season with a broken hand, which limited him upon his return against the Los Angeles Chargers. A cornerback’s hand usage is a large part of their technique, so for Hobbs to not 100 percent healthy hindered his overall play.

Hobbs was excellent as a rookie in 2021, and the Raiders initially played him in the slot, a position he was not used to at Illinois. Pro Football Focus gave Hobbs a 79.1 overall grade, as he allowed only one touchdown on 54 targets.

Heading into 2023, Hobbs is looking to have a healthy season and bounce back from his rough 2022. Although Hobbs performed more similarly to his rookie season before his injury, he was not the same player after.

Hobbs spent most of 2021 in the slot but moved all around the field in his sophomore season. With all the new additions at cornerback the Raiders invested in during free agency, it will now be up to Coach Josh McDaniels and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham to figure out what Hobbs’ role will be going into 2023.

Nowadays, in the NFL, many defenses show different looks in coverage, and it’s rare for those players to line up in the same place on the field on a snap-to-snap basis. In Hobbs’ rookie season, the Raiders lined up primarily in cover 3, but when Graham took over, they used a mix of coverages.

Hobbs has played in the slot and on the outside in his short career with the Raiders, and when healthy, has provided the Raiders with great play. As he looks to establish himself as the team’s top cornerback, Hobbs’ role likely cannot be confined to one spot on the defense. He is a talented enough player to move wherever on the field, even following the opposing team’s top receiver.

Whatever role Hobbs plays in 2023, as long as he is healthy, he will provide the Raiders with reliable play in the secondary.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.