Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs was one of the several key defensive additions in Las Vegas' 2021 draft class.
He, safety Tre'von Moehrig, defensive end Malcolm Koonce, and linebacker Divine Deablo all had their best seasons so far in the 2023 campaign.
Hobbs, the Raiders' fifth-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, is paid the least of the four, earning an annual $945,763 from his $3.7-million rookie contract. But like all his fellow draft classmates, Hobbs could be nearing a big pay day in the future.
The 24-year-old cornerback finished the 2023 season with 86 combined tackles, six for losses, a sack, seven passes defensed, a forced fumble, and an interception while making 11 starts in just 13 appearances. He missed four straight games early in the season due to an ankle injury.
Before the Raiders make any long-term commitment to Hobbs, they should consider the history of his health. Not only did Hobbs have an injury hiatus this season, but he had missed six consecutive weeks in the 2022 season due to a broken left hand as well.
When healthy, there's no question Hobbs is the Raiders' best cornerback. Next season should tell a lot about the direction Las Vegas decides to go in with the young cornerback. Should Hobbs stay relatively healthy, his 2023 stats suggest he could have a monster year.
For that reason, Raider fans should be excited about Hobbs' future and his trajectory. Regarding his health, the two major injuries have been to completely different areas of his body, which can be considered promising.
In his three years as a Raider so far, Hobbs has totaled 232 combined tackles, 12 for losses, 14 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, three sacks, and a fumble recovery in 40 games.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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