The Raiders were just one of a handful of teams to make three first-round picks in a single draft. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell started 15 games as a rookie and Josh Jacobs was among the most productive running backs in the NFL. However, the one first-round pick that wasn’t able to make an impact was safety Johnathan Abram.
In the first game of the season, Abram injured his shoulder and would miss the rest of the season. It was a brutal blow for the team’s secondary as Abram was slated to start the season at strong safety. However, Abram has worked hard to get back into shape as he is ready to retake his role as the team’s enforcer.
In his most recent media session, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther expressed his excitement about Abram and his return to the field:
“He looks great. Again, He played 30 minutes for us last year, so he’s kind of going through it again like a rookie year. He’s picked up the system in the second year, looking at it form the 10,000-mile view last year, sitting back and watching everything happen. He’s come back in tremendous shape. Obviously, he’s good in the middle of the field. He’s an enforcer down in the box, he’s a good blitzer. And he’s a vocal guy out there which we need for his
leadership in the back end.”
It’s great news that Abram is back to full health as he gives the Raiders even more speed and athleticism on defense. But his biggest attribute might be his leadership ability as he the rare ability to raise the intensity of all the players around him.
If Abram can stay healthy for the 2020 season, it wouldn’t be a major surprise to see him lead the team in tackles and potentially takeaways. He’s got all the talent to be one of the league’s box safeties and he is in his scheme that will maximize his talent. Look for the former Mississippi State star to have a monster year for the Raiders this season.
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