The Packers signed former Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs in free agency and are expecting big things … More
The Green Bay Packers went 11-6 last season, sweeping the NFC West and the AFC South along the way.
Overall, though, no one in the building was happy.
The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.
Afterwards, general manager Brian Gutekunst turned up the heat on everybody in the building.
“We need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency,” Gutekunst said. “I think it’s time we started competing for championships.”
Those are fair expectations.
The Packers return 20 of 22 starters, and appear to have upgraded the roster via free agency and the draft. With several third and fourth year players trending upward, Green Bay should be poised to make a move.
“I think they’re ready,” Gutekunst said.
Now, it’s time for the Packers to prove their G.M. right.
Green Bay’s first training camp practice is July 23. Between now and then I will count down the ‘30 Most Important Packers’ heading into the 2025 campaign.
At No. 15 is cornerback Nate Hobbs, who left Las Vegas and signed with the Packers in free agency.
No. 15
Nate Hobbs, CB
Last season
Hobbs spent his first four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders before signing with Green Bay in free agency on March 10.
Pro Football Focus gave Hobbs an overall grade of 61.4 last season, which ranked 110th out of 223 corners. His run defense grade was 100th overall and his coverage grade ranked 103rd.
In 11 games (seven starts) last season, Hobbs had 49 tackles, five passes defended and one interception. He also displayed impressive versatility, playing 275 snaps in the slot and 128 at outside cornerback, according to TruMedia.
Hobbs did miss six games in 2024, including four with an ankle injury. He also had a missed tackle rate of 22.2% according to PFF, the sixth worst among the 92 corners that played at least 500 snaps.
Career to date
Hobbs, a fifth round draft pick out of Illinois in 2021, played in both the slot and on the perimeter with Las Vegas.
Hobbs was primarily the Raiders’ slot corner in 2021, 2023 and 2024. In 2022, he operated mostly outside.
Hobbs has 281 tackles, 19 passes defended and three interceptions in 51 career games (38 starts). His best season came in 2023 when he had 86 tackles (six for loss), one interception and seven passes defended.
Hobbs also missed 17 games in four seasons with the Raiders, making his inability to stay on the field a concern.
Outlook
Hobbs ranks 21st in average pay among cornerbacks after signing a four-year, $48 million deal with Green Bay in free agency.
The Packers, who are extremely thin in the cornerback room, need to get their money’s worth on this deal.
Hobbs gives the Packers some intriguing options in the back end.
Hobbs could play in the slot permanently, meaning the Packers’ corners would likely be Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine. Hobbs could play outside on early downs, then move into the slot on passing downs. The Packers could also leave Hobbs outside if Javon Bullard wins the slot position in training camp.
Either way, expect to see a lot of Hobbs. The biggest question is where?
They Said It …
“We’ve kinda had our eye on Nate for a couple years now. (Packers director of pro personnel) Richmond Williams on our pro staff does a great job and has been pushing (for him). We just really thought he’s a really versatile all-around corner, can do everything. We really like his ability to play on the outside, which he hasn’t done a ton of, but the ability to move him inside and match different receivers, and his play style I think is one of the things that really stood out to all of us. Really, really excited to see what he’s going to do for us this year.” — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on Hobbs
“Nate can play outside and Nate can play inside. So we’re going to have him do both. His film was, you know, when you’re getting ready for free agency and you’re evaluating tape, it’s one thing that you love about him. He’s had a lot of success inside, and I thought his tape outside was equally as good. He is competitive, he’s tough, he is physical, he plays the game fast, you can tell he loves it. It just jumps off the tape. He’s been a great addition and he does give you that versatility where you can move him around and again, I’m a big fan of that.” — Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley on Hobbs
“I know by nature, I’m a very competitive person. When I get out there, I’m a super competitor. I think kinda to make it to this level and to be an impact player, you have to be a super competitor, but when you are a super competitor and you’ve been bestowed with opportunity like this that I’ve had, that comes with responsibility. I think this is an opportunity for me to grow as a man, a leader, a player, father, a friend, just the man period.” — Hobbs on the next step in his career
“He’s physical, he’s strong, upper body and lower body. He’s very heavy handed. He’s got an alpha personality. He listens. He’s been a good teammate to some of the younger guys, encouraging those guys.” — Packers passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley on Hobbs
THE TOP 30
• No. 29 — WR Dontayvion Wicks
