Fifth-round pick is a legit nickel candidate
One player who got a lot of offseason program and minicamp love was rookie cornerback Nate Hobbs.
We’re now two days into the Las Vegas Raiders’ training camp and the Hobbs’ hype train is not slowing down. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the fifth-round pick out of Illinois was working with the first and second team defense at the nickel cornerback spot, alternating with veteran Nevin Lawson.
As far as DB’s working with the 1&2 group: Arnette, Abram, Mullen, Moehrig, Lawson, Hayward, Hobbs and Joseph. (Gillespie was not on the field today)
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) July 29, 2021
At minicamp, new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley indicated that Lawson, Hobbs and 2020 fourth-round pick Amik Robertson were in competition to replace the released Lamarcus Joyner as the nickel cornerback.
When he was drafted, it was expected that Robertson would be the main slot corner in 2021, but he struggled as a rookie and the Raiders drafted Hobbs. He has been impressive and right now, he seems further along than Robertson. If that remains the case all summer, Robertson may have a difficult time making the 53-man roster.
In other Raiders’ links:
- Arnette saying the right things: In an interview with the Associated Press, second-year cornerback Damon Arnette says he’s ready to improve upon a poor rookie season.
- Urgent D: The Las Vegas Review-Journal looks at a Raiders’ defense is operating under a sense of urgency already.
- All aboard: Here is some information on game-day transportation to Allegiant Stadium.
- Ferrell lose starting job? The Athletic examines.