NFL Draft: Who can replace Hobbs at nickel CB?

Diving into a few slot cornerback options

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders’s defense has a glaring hole at nickelback. Nate Hobbs maned the slot over the last four years for the Raiders, but Hobbs signed with the Green Bay Packers during free agency and Las Vegas hasn’t added a suitable replacement yet this offseason.

That likely means the position will be a priority for John Spytek and Co. during the draft next week. So, which defensive backs in this year’s draft class can line up at nickel?

All draft projections listed below are via NFL Mock Draft Database and as of April 15.

Will Johnson, Michigan

Draft projection: 1st round, 12th overall

Johnson could also fill the Raiders’ hole at outside cornerback, where he primarily played in college. He’s more of a projection on the inside but has shown several traits to line up at nickel, most notably a willingness to get involved in run fits. Granted, the former Wolverine needs to be more consistent with his tackling form, but he has a versatile skill set to contribute at both cornerback spots if needed.

Jahdae Barron, Texas

Draft projection: 1st round, 15th overall

Similar to his Michigan counterpart, Barron also has the potential to line up on the boundary or over the slot. The difference between the two prospects is the latter has extensive experience at nickelback, taking 900 snaps there during his college career, via Pro Football Focus. If the Silver and Black are looking for a cleaner projection at the position, the former Longhorn is the front office’s best option.

Jacob Parrish, Kansas State

Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

Draft projection: 3rd round, 93rd overall

While he primarily played on the outside at Kansas State, Parrish’s size will likely force him to slide inside in the NFL. He isn’t exactly physically imposing at slightly under 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds. However, the former Wildcat has impressive coverage skills and is a physical run defender to successfully switch positions. Also, he’s a good tackler with only five misses at an 8.3 percent rate in 2024, per PFF.

Malaki Starks, Georgia

Draft projection: 1st round, 21st overall

This would be a thinking outside of the box strategy to solve Las Vegas’ nickelback issue since Starks is naturally a safety. However, he recorded over 664 snaps over the slot at Georgia (via PFF) and a lot of his notable plays in coverage last season came when he was covering inside receivers. Also, the former Bulldog is a willing run defender who earned PFF grades in the mid-80s in that department over the last two years respectively.

Cobee Bryant, Kansas

Draft projection: 5th Round, 140th overall

Bryant’s ball production with 13 interceptions and 22 passes defended during his college career will certainly grab teams’ attention. Granted, he’s another projection on the inside, but NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein noted the former Jayhawk has traits to make the position switch a successful transition.

“First and foremost, Bryant wants the football and does what he can to find it,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s adequate in man coverage but struggles against big receivers in space. His instincts and ball skills shine in zone, where he reads route development and quarterback intentions. His low weight and skinny build will put him below the threshold for some teams, while his length, toughness and strong performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl will put him in play for others. Bryant has the potential to see nickel snaps as a pro if he can trust his technique and limit the penalties.”

Upton Stout, Western Kentucky

Draft projection: 6th round, 169th overall

Stout primarily lined up on the outside during his first four years with the Hilltoppers before sliding inside this past season. That’s where his run defense shined through, earning a 90.9 run defense grade from PFF, and where he projects best in the pros.

“Upton Stout is an undersized yet feisty cornerback from Western Kentucky who brings outstanding twitch and competitive fire to the table,” Bleacher Report’s Cory Giddings wrote. “At 5’9” and 182 pounds, Stout compensates for his lack of size with smooth athleticism, quickness, and versatility. A standout performer with the ability to play both outside and in the slot, Stout projects as a dynamic nickel defender with additional value as a blitzer.”

Jordan Hancock, Ohio State

Draft projection: 5th round, 147th overall

Unlike the majority of players mentioned above, Hancock has good size at 6-foot and 195 pounds. That gives him the potential to fill the big nickel role, and he showed plenty of versatility in college by taking snaps at nickel, outside cornerback and safety. The former Buckeye is a physical run defender who can be effective in zone coverage and when playing man coverage against tight ends.