Former Illinois DB Nate Hobbs leads defensive rookies in 1 specific stat during NFL preseason

Illinois defensive back Nate Hobbs was amongst the biggest surprises in the entire NFL during preseason.

Hobbs was a fifth-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he performed like a first-rounder.

In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, he was the top-rated non-first rounder of any defensive rookie in the NFL during preseason action.

Highest-graded non 1st-RD defenders in #NFL preseason

1. Nate Hobbs, Raiders CB – 90.7
2. Elijah Sullivan, 49ers LB – 89.9
3. Jonathon Cooper, Broncos ED – 88.6
4. Elijah Molden, Titans CB – 85.7 pic.twitter.com/qRIBzpsuQg

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 30, 2021

He was joined on the list by former Ohio State star Jonathon Cooper, who was picked in the seventh round but also made a 53-man roster.

The Raiders have definitely taken note of Hobbs’ excellent preseason. Coach Jon Gruden awarded him with a game ball after he recorded an interception in Week 2 of the preseason.

Hobbs officially made the Raiders’ 53-man roster on Tuesday and should have a role with the team:

#Raiders' initial 53-man roster, well 52 … until LB Denzel Perryman is added. CB Nevin Lawson was placed on the reserve/suspended list. pic.twitter.com/udDutnDos9

— Anthony Galaviz (@agalaviz_TheBee) August 31, 2021

Hobbs will likely make his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13.