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Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Early standouts in 2021 training camp

By Cody Williams

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 15: Cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 15: Cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders
Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

The Las Vegas Raiders are a complete mixed bag entering the 2021 season but, early in training camp, these players are stepping up in big ways.

After one of the most blatantly confusing offseasons, we now get to see what the Las Vegas Raiders have to offer. That, of course, starts with training camp, which has now been underway for a handful of practices and about a week overall. Pads haven’t come on yet but we are getting looks at how players are showing up.

With the Raiders and the other 31 teams in the NFL, that can be a mixed bag. Some players can be performing at a higher level than expected at training camp while others can be leaving too much meat on the bone. Since camp and the preseason are also optimism season in the league, though, we’re going to focus on the positives.

Though there have certainly been others who have made some noise, these players are in the forefront as clear early standouts from Las Vegas Raiders training camp entering 2021.

3. Nate Hobbs and Damon Arnette, CB

The Raiders made noise early in the 2021 NFL Draft with another shocking first-round pick but what they don’t get enough credit for is that they made some very nice selections from there on. One player who fits that mold is fifth-round pick Nate Hobbs. The former Illinois cornerback shined throughout the offseason minicamps and had real buzz coming into training camp. That buzz hasn’t stopped.

Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal highlighted Hobbs as a player who is very much in the mix to see a lot of reps as the Raiders’ slot cornerback this season as he’s already working with the first- and second-team defenses, battling Nevin Lawson for snaps as of right now. And he’s stepped up and performed well, earning praise from Jon Gruden for his versatility.

And while Hobbs has been a pleasant surprise and a standout, a disappointment from last year, first-rounder Damon Arnette, has also drawn some decidedly positive reviews. Not only has he reportedly worked on his body but Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. of Raider Maven says he has been popping up while working with the second-team defense and his work ethic is going noticed.

Arnette has also reportedly been a sponge working with veteran newcomer Casey Hayward, which can only help the former Ohio State standout to reach his potential. All told, the emergence of Hobbs and Arnette gives some optimism for the Raiders cornerback group, which is something I wouldn’t have expected coming into camp.

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