With the 2022 season right around the corner, the Las Vegas Raiders have a different vibe that’s been apparent throughout training camp.
The Raiders are armed with new players and coaching staff, but the team’s fortunes could very well lay in the hands of the holdovers from last year. One player poised to build on a successful season is Nate Hobbs, who has reportedly been one of the better players in camp.
Hobbs has been able to get reps against one of the premier receivers in the NFL in Davante Adams, but the cornerback believes Adams should be considered one of the best players period, via Hondo S. Carpenter of Sports Illustrated:
“He’s, if not the best, one of the best players in the league. Not just receivers, players in the league. If you want to play at a high level, and that’s my opponent and who I match up with, why wouldn’t I get those reps? Once a couple of guys went down during camp, injuries were pushed into that corner roll which I was comfortable in playing. It ended up being me and him a lot. I took that opportunity willingly because it could only make me better.”
Hobbs was a revelation for the Raiders in his rookie year, and he attributes his strong play to his confidence in himself:
“If you don’t believe in yourself you can’t play at this level. I think it has to be predetermined before you step on that field. You have to believe in yourself. So, to answer your question, yes.”
Adams has already been complimentary of his new teammate, a sign that Hobbs is ready to break out in a season where the Silver and Black will certainly need him. Las Vegas will be looking to make some noise in the playoffs, and Hobbs is projecting to be a big part of that.
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