PFF gives the Raiders’ fifth-round pick a big honor
If you watched the Las Vegas Raiders in the preseason, you clearly know Nate Hobbs balled out.
The fifth-round pick from Illinois was the star of the game against the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams in the first two preseason games. He consistently flashed in coverage and on blitz packages.
It is now basically a dead lock that Hobbs will be the Raiders’ starting nickel cornerback during the regular season.
And Hobbs’ work is getting noticed. Pro Football Focus graded all rookies in the preseason and Hobbs was the highest-graded defensive rookie who was not drafted in the first round. PFF gave Hobbs a grade of 90.7, which is outstanding.
There is a big difference between the preseason and the regular season, of course, but I have a feeling we will see Hobbs continue to make an impact when the play becomes real.
In other Raiders’ links:
- Final 53: The Athletic has a 53-man roster projection. We will find out if it’s correct later today.
- Drake talk: ESPN discusses how Raiders’ running back Kenyan Drake can make an impact in the passing game. I think he’s going to make a real impact as a pass catcher.
- Here comes the bride: You can now get married at Allegiant Stadium. Kinda cool, right?
- No major issues: There were no major problems, according to police, at the first Raiders-49ers preseason game in 10 years. Great to see.
- Charity work: Credit One Bank will donate to Las Vegs charities for every extra point Daniel Carlson kicks this season. Another reason for the Raiders to score touchdowns.
- Waller honored: ESPN ranked its top 100 players in the NFL. The only Las Vegas player to make the list was tight end Darren Waller.