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Former Illinois DB Nate Hobbs leads defensive rookies in 1 specific stat during NFL preseason
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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.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.