Raiders draft countdown: Nate Hobbs is best No. 39

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 11:02 AM ET

Thirty-nine days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.

Today, March 15, the number is 39.

Nate Hobbs, No. 39

Nate Hobbs is the pick for No. 39 because he brought edge, physicality, and versatility to the Raiders secondary during his four-year run. From 2021-2024, he became a trusted piece who could handle the slot, play outside when needed, and set the tone in run support.

Hobbs played 51 games for the Raiders and made 38 starts. He posted three interceptions and 19 passes defended, while also showing up as a willing tackler and blitzer in the slot.

Screens aren’t going to have time to develop when your S/C/F defender has this kind of read and react speed. Point tries to run him off but #Raiders DB Nate Hobbs reads screen on his first step & flashes that 4.3 speed to almost beat the ball to the WR. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/Moi8Xl1HZd

— Chris Reed (@ChrisReed_NFL) August 22, 2021

Why Hobbs gets No. 39

No. 39 does not have a long list of modern Raiders defensive contributors with multiple seasons of starting work. Hobbs separates with role value and weekly trust, especially in the slot where the job is equal parts coverage and tackling.

The separator is his four seasons as a core defensive back who stayed in the mix across coaching and scheme changes.

Draft and background

Hobbs was born June 24, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky. He played at Male High School in Kentucky before starring at Illinois.

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted him in the fifth round, 167th overall, in 2021. He immediately carved out a role and stayed a key part of the defense through the 2024 season.