I don’t expect the Green Bay Packers to just take a loss on their $48 million signing of cornerback Nate Hobbs, nor do I think they should. Hobbs was one of the premier slot cornerbacks to hit free agency
last offseason, and he was paid as such. With that being said, be it because of his transition to the outside position or his body not being 100 percent coming off of his summer knee surgery, he has not been playing well recently .
This begs the question: Why is Carrington Valentine, one of the higher-rated cornerbacks on Pro Football Focus this year, losing more playing time on a week-by-week basis to Hobbs, who is one of the lower-rated cornerbacks?
That’s why I wanted to ask you guys this question: Who do you think should start at outside cornerback for the Packers?
I think the Packers will continue to roll with Hobbs. It’s not just his contract, but both head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley continue to say that they’re willing to ride the rollercoaster of Hobbs’ play as he transitions to a new full-time position, too.
Personally, here’s what I think I would do in the Packers’ position:
- Play Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs as the team’s base 4-3 cornerbacks, if they’re so worried about Carrington Valentine’s tackling ability in the run game.
- In nickel packages, play Valentine on the outside and Hobbs in the slot. Honestly, Hobbs has looked good in the slot in limited looks this year and is probably a better coverage option than Javon Bullard. You see more run snaps when offenses are heavy (which the Packers match with their 4-3 base) and more passes when offenses are playing three-receiver sets (which the Packers match with their nickel defense). This seems to play into the strengths of both Hobbs and Valentine.
- At safety, I would play Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams, but if the team is adamant about getting Bullard on the field, I wouldn’t mind him playing for Williams in short yardage and the red zone, considering how well Bullard attacks the run game. Limiting deep shorts (at safety) and two-way goes (in the slot) for Bullard will only let his strengths shine more.
So that’s my take, but I’m wondering what you all think about the situation—calling all armchair experts to solve this issue.
