Defending the pass is something that all NFL defenses have to do. In this day and age, where passing games are taking priority, finding a litany of defensive backs to stand up to the challenge is an issue facing each franchise.
Nate Hobbs, a cornerback out of the University of Illinois, is looking to make a difference with the Green Bay Packers. As a free agent signing, Hobbs has the chance to entrench himself as one of the best slot defenders in the league with a team that has championship aspirations.
Nate Hobbs College Career
Ranked a three-star prospect coming out of Kentucky in 2017, Hobbs saw the field immediately for the Fighting Illini. He impressed immediately, seeing action in 12 games while making 48 combined tackles.
Hobbs had a true breakout season as a junior, helping Illinois to a bowl for the first time since he arrived on campus. At the time the Illinois betting promos were favoring the local college team.
His 67 tackles, 10 passes defended, and six tackles-for-loss were all career-highs. Injuries limited his senior season to just five games, impacting his draft stock going into the 2021 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders
Because of injuries and an average frame (6’0” 195), Hobbs fell to the fifth round (167th overall) of the NFL Draft. The pick was obtained when the Raiders traded guard Gabe Jackson to the Seattle Seahawks.
In addition to being the 24th cornerback taken; Hobbs became the first Illini corner since 2010 to play in the NFL. After signing a four-year rookie contract, Hobbs managed to beat out 2020 first-round pick Damon Arnette to be named nickel corner on the depth chart.
Hobbs showed potential over his first two seasons with the Raiders, eventually becoming the No.1 corner entering the 2023 season. Despite the distinction, Hobbs established himself as one of the best slot defenders in the NFL while in Las Vegas, a critical skill given how many defenses operate out of a base nickel formation.
Signing with the Packers
Following an impressive 2024 campaign, Hobbs signed a free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers. What is interesting is that the four-year, $48 million contract offers the team an out after the first year, so 2025 is essentially an audition for Hobbs and the Packers.
If he pans out, the Packers have one of the premier slot corners in the league. With more teams leaning on smaller, faster, more versatile receivers in the slot, corners like Hobbs become more of a necessity than ever before.
What Hobbs Brings to the Table
Hobbs has been successful at the NFL level for a few reasons. For starters, he is a great athlete, combining solid size with good speed and quickness. He is also an exceptional jumper, allowing him to challenge on 50-50 balls with regularity.
He also makes use of shorter, choppier steps to keep his movement in check underneath, using exceptional burst to break on routes. He has good strength for his size, making it tougher on receivers at the catch point.
Hobbs is an underrated run defender and tackler as well. He is quick to wrap receivers up and often uses his instincts and speed to become a quality downfield run defender. The Packers signed him to utilize his skills as a slot defender, pairing up with faster receivers, plus some of the better route runners on the field.
Challenges Facing Hobbs
The biggest issue that Hobbs has had as a pro been his availability. He hasn’t played a full season to date, being limited to just 11 games in both 2022 and 2024. It doesn’t matter how good you are in the NFL; if you can’t stay on the field, you aren’t helping your team.
Injuries limited Hobbs to just seven games in 2024, the lowest of his career. The Packers gave him a potentially solid deal, but it will be contingent on his ability to stay on the field and be an asset in the passing game.
The good news is that his injuries have largely been manageable. He will more than likely miss a few games, but if the Packers make the playoffs, Hobbs could be a key factor when every yard matters.
A Solid Signing for the Packers
This looks like a solid signing across the board for the Packers. With the ability to get out of the contract after the first season, the Packers aren’t even really taking the risk presented by his injury history, either. It is a win for the Packers.
If he can continue to be a great slot defender, the Packers may have found a deal. Against teams like the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles, Hobbs will become necessary to limit the damage done by those passing games.
