Las Vegas Raiders rookies: What each draft pick will struggle with in 2021

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 6: Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks against Armon Watts #90 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 65-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 6: Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks against Armon Watts #90 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 65-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Makai Polk (17) misses the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Nate Hobbs (8) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders rookies: What each draft pick will struggle with in 2021

Nate Hobbs could struggle with moving to slot cornerback

The Raiders drafted Nate Hobbs out of Illinois in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has been one of the more surprising rookies so far. Hobbs dominated during the rookie minicamp period, and after moving inside to the slot cornerback role, he could end up earning a ton of playing time as a rookie.

Right now, the fight for the slot cornerback spot is between Nevin Lawson, Amik Robertson, and Hobbs, who has the physical ability to certainly play at the next level. Both the coaches and Trayvon Mullen have loved what they have seen out of him so far, as he looks to make an easy transition to the inside.

However, once the games begin, it is another world, and Hobbs could struggle early on in this new role. Still, he is a guy who looks like he could be a steal, and if he does beat out Robertson and Lawson, he will have his growing pains but could be a very good player for this franchise down the road.