Nate Hobbs: Is He Good? Madden Rating, 40 Time, Highlights, Height

Nate Hobbs has become one of the most intriguing defensive backs to emerge from the 2021 NFL Draft class. Known for his aggressive tackling, versatility in coverage, and strong instincts, Hobbs has earned recognition as a reliable slot cornerback during his NFL career.

Originally drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, Hobbs quickly made an impact with his physical style of play and ability to defend both the run and the pass. Later in his career, he joined the Green Bay Packers, continuing to showcase his defensive skills despite injuries affecting parts of his season.

Fans frequently search for information about Nate Hobbs’ Madden rating, 40-yard dash time, physical measurements, and highlight plays. In this complete guide, we break down everything you need to know about the NFL cornerback—from his college career to his professional stats and performance.

Who Is Nate Hobbs?

Nate Hobbs is a professional American football cornerback who plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 24, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky, Hobbs developed into a standout defensive back through hard work, athleticism, and a relentless playing style.

Hobbs played college football at the University of Illinois before entering the NFL Draft in 2021. He was selected in the fifth round (167th overall) by the Raiders, proving to be one of the steals of that draft class.

Despite not being a first-round pick, Hobbs quickly proved his value through his ability to defend the slot, tackle in open space, and disrupt opposing receivers.

Nate Hobbs Height and Physical Measurements

One of the key reasons Hobbs has been successful in the NFL is his strong physical profile for a defensive back.

Nate Hobbs Physical Stats

• Height: 6 feet 0 inches (about 183 cm)

• Weight: 195 pounds (88 kg)

• Arm Length: around 31.5 inches

• Wingspan: 76.5 inches

These measurements allow Hobbs to compete with bigger receivers and maintain physicality in coverage. His size is particularly useful for slot cornerbacks, who often face both wide receivers and tight ends in modern NFL offenses.

His build also helps him contribute in run defense, where he has been praised for tackling ability and aggressiveness.

Nate Hobbs 40-Yard Dash Time

Speed is a critical attribute for NFL cornerbacks, and Nate Hobbs showed solid athleticism during pre-draft testing.

40-yard dash time: approximately 4.48 seconds.

While this isn’t the fastest time among cornerbacks, it is considered more than adequate for the position. Hobbs compensates for average top-end speed with:

• Quick reaction time

• Good route recognition

• Strong lateral movement

In addition to his 40-yard dash, Hobbs posted impressive jumping numbers:

• Vertical jump: 40.5 inches

• Broad jump: 135 inches

These explosive metrics ranked among the best for defensive backs in his class, highlighting his athletic potential.

Nate Hobbs College Career at Illinois

Before entering the NFL, Hobbs played for the Illinois Fighting Illini. During his college career, he developed into a reliable defensive starter and leader.

At Illinois he:

• Played 39 games

• Made 35 starts

• Earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition in 2019.

His college performance showcased several strengths:

1. Physical Tackling

Hobbs was known for delivering strong tackles in open space.

2. Versatility

He played both outside corner and slot corner.

3. High Football IQ

Coaches praised his understanding of defensive schemes.

Although he wasn’t a first-round prospect, scouts saw potential in his combination of athleticism and instincts.

NFL Draft and Early Career

Nate Hobbs entered the 2021 NFL Draft and was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fifth round.

Draft details:

• Draft year: 2021

• Round: 5th

• Pick: 167 overall

• Team: Raiders

Despite being a mid-round selection, Hobbs quickly became one of the biggest surprises of the draft class.

During his rookie season, he played all 16 games and started several matchups, earning All-Rookie recognition from Pro Football Focus.

His immediate impact helped solidify the Raiders’ secondary.

Nate Hobbs NFL Career Stats

Over his first several seasons in the NFL, Hobbs has built a reputation as a tough and reliable defensive back.

Career highlights include:

• 300+ total tackles

• 3 interceptions

• 19 passes defended

• 3 sacks

Across his first four seasons with the Raiders, he played 51 games with 38 starts, demonstrating consistent availability and production.

One of his best statistical seasons came in 2023, when he recorded:

• 86 tackles

• 59 solo tackles

• 7 passes defended

He also led all NFL cornerbacks that year with 6.62 tackles per game, showing his effectiveness against both the pass and the run.

Is Nate Hobbs Good?

A common question among NFL fans is whether Nate Hobbs is actually a good cornerback.

The answer depends on the role he plays.

Strengths

1. Elite Run Defense for a Cornerback

Hobbs is one of the better tackling cornerbacks in the league. His willingness to attack ball carriers sets him apart from many defensive backs.

2. Slot Coverage Ability

He excels in the slot position, where quick reaction time and physicality are essential.

3. Football IQ

Hobbs reads plays well and can anticipate routes effectively.

Weaknesses

1. Injuries

Injuries have occasionally limited his playing time.

2. Deep Speed

While fast enough, he doesn’t possess elite top-end speed compared to some shutdown cornerbacks.

Overall, Hobbs is considered a solid starting cornerback, especially in the slot role where his tackling and instincts are most valuable.

Nate Hobbs Madden Rating

For fans of the Madden NFL 25 franchise, player ratings are always a major talking point.

In Madden NFL 25:

• Overall Rating: 80

• Play Recognition: 84

• Zone Coverage: 83

• Press: 85

• Pursuit: 78

These ratings reflect Hobbs’ strengths as a physical defensive back who performs well in zone coverage schemes.

In Madden gameplay, he is often used as a slot corner or secondary defender because of his balanced skill set.

Nate Hobbs Highlights

Nate Hobbs has produced several memorable plays throughout his NFL career. His highlights often involve:

• Hard tackles in open space

• Pass breakups in tight coverage

• Interceptions against top receivers

• Run-stopping tackles near the line of scrimmage

His rookie season particularly stood out, as he consistently shut down slot receivers and quickly earned a reputation as one of the Raiders’ most promising young defenders.

Fans and analysts often highlight his aggressive playing style and competitive energy.

Recent News and Career Developments

In recent NFL news, Hobbs’ career has seen some ups and downs due to injuries and roster decisions.

In 2025 he signed a four-year contract with the Green Bay Packers, but injuries limited him to only part of the season. He appeared in 11 games, recording 27 tackles and two passes defended.

Later reports indicated that the Packers decided to release Hobbs after the injury-shortened campaign as part of salary cap adjustments.

Despite this setback, Hobbs remains a talented cornerback who could contribute to another NFL team due to his experience and physical playing style.

Nate Hobbs Playing Style

To understand Hobbs’ value, it’s important to examine how he plays.

Aggressive Coverage

Hobbs uses physical press coverage to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.

Strong Tackling

Many slot corners struggle against the run, but Hobbs excels in this area.

Versatility

He can line up at:

• Slot corner

• Outside corner

• Nickel packages

This versatility makes him valuable in modern NFL defensive schemes.

Future Outlook for Nate Hobbs

At just 26 years old, Nate Hobbs still has several productive seasons ahead of him.

Possible career paths include:

• Signing with a team needing a starting slot corner

• Becoming a rotational defensive back in nickel packages

• Continuing to develop into a veteran defensive leader

If he stays healthy, Hobbs has the potential to remain a productive NFL defender for many years.

Conclusion

Nate Hobbs may not be the most famous cornerback in the NFL, but he has quietly built a reputation as a tough and reliable defensive back. From his college career at Illinois to his early success with the Raiders and later move to the Packers, Hobbs has consistently shown determination and physicality.

His combination of solid speed, strong tackling ability, and high football IQ makes him particularly effective in the slot corner role. With an 80 overall Madden rating and several productive NFL seasons already under his belt, Hobbs continues to be a respected defensive player.

As his career continues, many NFL fans will be watching to see where he lands next and how he continues to develop as a defensive back.

FAQs

What is Nate Hobbs’ height?

Nate Hobbs is approximately 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) tall and weighs around 195 pounds.

What is Nate Hobbs’ 40-yard dash time?

His 40-yard dash time is about 4.48 seconds, recorded during pre-draft testing.

What is Nate Hobbs’ Madden rating?

In Madden NFL 25, Nate Hobbs has an overall rating of 80.

Which college did Nate Hobbs attend?

He played college football at the University of Illinois.

Is Nate Hobbs a good cornerback?

Yes. Hobbs is widely regarded as a solid slot cornerback known for his tackling ability, physical coverage, and strong defensive instincts.