3 Las Vegas Raiders with the most to prove in 2021 Week 1
By Alex Perl
3 Las Vegas Raiders with the most to prove in 2021 Week 1
Nate Hobbs, Cornerback
Nate Hobbs is a rookie, a late-round pick, and a product of a Big Ten program in Illinois that struggled mightily nearly every season. However, after dominating the preseason, Hobbs earned a starting role with the Raiders, one he does not plan on giving up any time soon.
After the failings of nickel cornerback Lamarcus Joyner last season, the Raiders cut their losses and released the disappointing pricey free-agent acquisition. The nickel corner starting position was suddenly left vacant, and as fans panicked at the thought of veteran Nevin Lawson winning the job, the rookie showed it was his job to lose.
With a camp that turned nearly everyone’s head, and a preseason that was one to remember, Hobbs was elevated to the starting nickel cornerback. With so much praise and now expectations, Hobbs now faces the pressure to prove he should stay there when Lawson returns from his two-game suspension.
As the starter in Week 1, he has to show that his preseason and camp were no fluke. He will take on an offense that may have a bunch of weapons out, but it is also one with Lamar Jackson at quarterback, so this is going to be a tough task on Monday night.
Hobbs is on a mission to show that the coaching staff made the right decision by starting him as a rookie, and he is one player we are all excited to see play. Baltimore may be a bit depleted at wide receiver, but Mark Andrews is an excellent tight end and will prove to be a tough matchup for Hobbs in Game No. 1.