Packers CB Nate Hobbs' versatility is already showing at training camp

Yahoo

25-07-2025

The Green Bay Packers knew they were getting a versatile player when they signed former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million deal this offseason.
According to Albert Breer of MMQB.com, the Packers' personnel department had been eyeing Hobbs for a couple of years, believing he could be an outside corner. So far in camp, that's exactly where he's been spending most of his time.
"Yeah, he's done a great job. You can really see the guy's a competitor, and that's why we loved him on tape," head coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday. "He's tough, and he was primarily a nickel with the Raiders, so it's been pretty cool to watch him come in and play a lot more outside corner, but also, we know what he can do if we want to put him inside."
Just two days into training camp, Hobbs has already made a pair of standout plays. On Day 1, Jordan Love dropped a dime to running back Josh Jacobs in the end zone, but Hobbs made a nice play on the ball to break it up. Then, on Thursday, Love was able to draw Hobbs offside to turn a 3rd-and-7 into a 3rd-and-2. Trying to make up for the mistake and get the defense off the field, Hobbs got a good jump on a pass intended for Dontayvion Wicks. Hobbs made a diving interception but had to settle for the pass breakup.
"I should've caught it," Hobbs said, shaking his head. "That's all—get my hands on the ball, keep it on the ball."
Even though it wasn't a turnover, those are the types of plays the Packers hope Hobbs will make during the regular season to help fill the void of losing Jaire Alexander.
In 51 games across four seasons with the Raiders, Hobbs picked off three passes and broke up another 19. He also missed 16 games due to various injuries, preventing him from being the best version of himself.
"Just being real, I haven't gotten the most out of myself that I want. I haven't fulfilled my expectations for myself, and that's a me thing," Hobbs said. "Injuries play a part, but that's all mental. You are who you think you are. You're always right about yourself, whether you think that you are or you're not."
A key component to unlocking Hobbs' potential could be moving him around the secondary based on matchups. The Packers know what Hobbs is capable of in the slot and are in the process of learning more about what he can do on the outside.
"I feel like (my versatility) will free up (Jeff Hafley) on the play calling, and I feel like it'll bring confidence to guys wherever I'm at, whether I'm at nickel or corner," he said. "I'm going to bring energy, I'm going to run to the ball and make plays."
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers CB Nate Hobbs' versatility is already showing at training camp