Since being selected by the Raiders in 2021, Nate Hobbs has solidified his position as one of the top defensive players on the team. After establishing himself as a top nickel cornerback in the NFL as a rookie, he suffered a hand injury in Year 2 and struggled mightily last season while playing a variety of positions. Even if he didn’t have quite the 2023 season, the Raiders are still huge fans of him. Hobbs is highly esteemed by new cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr., who considers him a key contributor for the defense.
“Nate is the key to unlock our defense,” Manning remarked during his press conference on Tuesday. “That nickel spot is very special … and being able to play inside and outside is a unique characteristic to have. “Hobbs ought to be able to handle the challenge because he is a dogged worker and a competitive player. His health is obviously a major issue, as he has missed a total of ten games over the past two seasons. He has all the makings of a top-tier Raiders defensive player if he can maintain his health.
The Raiders’ use of him is something to keep an eye on. Their perception of Manning as primarily a nickel cornerback is evident from his remarks. Nevertheless, the Raiders have failed to make significant offseason moves to improve their outside cornerback situation. It doesn’t appear like defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is making the most of Hobbs’ abilities by putting him on the outside, as he demonstrated last year. The Raiders benefit from his versatility, but they probably would have preferred other players to fill the outside cornerback positions.
One starting berth is guaranteed for Jack Jones, but the other should be a real battle. Despite his disappointing debut campaign, Jakorian Bennett has a shot at being a factor. At the start of the season, Brandon Facyson—an experienced veteran—could maintain the starting spot. Additionally, the Raiders may yet test the waters of free agency. Notable cornerbacks such as Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, and Adoree’ Jackson are still on the market.
