Tag: Micah Abraham

Now former Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback Micah Abraham reportedly has a workout with the Denver Broncos on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson.

The Colts’ drafted Abraham in the sixth-round of this past April’s draft out of Marshall. Abraham was a very experienced collegiate player, appearing in 62 games.

What intrigued the Colts about Abraham was his ball production, generating 43 passes defensed and 12 interceptions in his career, and they also thought he had the ability to play inside at the NFL level, after spending most of his snaps at Marshall on the boundary.

Abraham appeared in all three preseason games, making 9 of his 11 tackle attempts and allowing three receptions on four targets, but held pass catchers to only 5.7 yards per catch. Abraham also had the forced fumble and then recovery that he took for a touchdown in the opener against Denver.

Like any sixth-round pick, Abraham was always going to need time develop, but as the fourth option at the nickel cornerback position, there wasn’t room for Abraham on neither the roster or practice squad.

Obviously leading the way at the nickel is Kenny Moore. The Colts would then claim Samuel Womack on waivers, who has experience playing both inside and out. GM Chris Ballard would then bring Chris Lammons back on the practice squad, as someone who can help on special teams if needed–an area where Abraham was not yet ready to contribute.

During his post-roster cuts press conference, Ballard noted that when it’s the organization’s philosophy to accumulate draft picks and a number of picks are made over just a few year span, there can be instances where rookies are released or need time to develop on the practice squad.

Cornerback Micah Abraham was the Colts’ sixth-round pick in this past April’s draft, and in his preseason debut on Sunday, he certainly made the most of his opportunities.

Abraham played 35 snaps on Sunday, spending time both on the boundary and lined up in the nickel. He was very active around the ball and in the run game, recording six tackles–including a tackle for loss–the third-most on the team. In coverage, Abraham allowed one catch for just 10 yards.

That performance in itself is a very solid debut for any Day 3 cornerback. However, that information will end up as minor details in comparison to Abraham’s highlight reel play in the third quarter.

Facing a second-and-one in the third quarter, Denver handed the ball off to running back Audric Estime, who had picked up four yards before Abraham slipped his hand between Estime and the ball, ripping it out and popping it up into the air. Abraham then gathered the ball and raced 45 yards for the score.

“I didn’t see that he stripped it,” said Shane Steichen after the game. “I just saw him get it and then, I was like, dang, who got the strip? And they were like, he did. I’m like, holy smokes. And then I saw it back on the jumbotron, it was a hell of a play by him.”

One of the key traits that Abraham possesses that drew the Colts to him in the draft was his ability to make plays on the football. During his time at Marshall, Abraham finished his career with 12 interceptions and a whopping 43 passes defensed.

Another aspect that the Colts like about Abraham is his versatility. Although he spent most of his snaps in college lined up on the boundary, the Colts believe he can play from the nickel at the NFL level.

“To go in and out gives him some real value and gives him a chance to actually compete and make the roster,” GM Chris Ballard said after the draft. “12 picks is 12 picks, that’s not easy to do. So, he’s got a natural instinct and ball skills. That usually translates.”

Prior to Sunday’s game we hadn’t heard much about Abraham on the practice field, but like any late Day 3 pick, he is competing for a roster spot and a role on this Colts team.

While with the Colts’ cornerback room the focus is on who will be starting on the boundary, Abraham is competing with veteran Chris Lammons to be the backup nickel behind Kenny Moore.

Lammons’ advantage comes from his NFL experience, which includes appearing in 46 games over his career. However, with Abraham, as a recent draft pick there is upside and untapped potential that the Colts are hoping to unlock.

And as we saw Sunday, there’s also an innate ability to make plays on the football, which is already translated for him from the college game to the NFL.

“I mean, that’s always great to see,” said Steichen about Abraham. “You getting these late-round draft picks, go make plays, you know what I mean? Go make a name for yourself, and obviously, he made a big-time play there.”

In the sixth round of the NFL Draft, the Colts provided some added competition to the cornerback position by selecting Micah Abraham out of Marshall.

Compared to many of the previous cornerback selections that we’ve seen GM Chris Ballard make, Abraham would be considered undersized at 5-9 – 185 pounds.

He also posted a Relative Athletic Score of 3.70, well below the typical 9.0 threshold that Ballard has stuck to in the past few drafts. However, Abraham did run a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, and as Zach Hicks of Horseshoe Huddle pointed out, Abraham moves much better on film than what his athletic testing would suggest.

Abraham is a very experienced player from his time at Marshall, with over 3,200 career snaps, the majority of which came on the boundary, but Chris Ballard mentioned he can play in the slot as well.

During his five-year career, he allowed a completion rate of only 49 percent and had terrific on-ball production – something the Colts need more of – totaling 55 pass deflections and 12 interceptions, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.

The addition of Abraham hopefully helps elevate the floor of the Colts’ cornerback position, a unit that, at the moment, does have some unknowns entering the 2024 season. As Ballard said in his pre-draft press conference, while this was a young group in 2023, they are no longer rookies, and improved play is expected.

For a closer look at what Abraham can bring to the Colts, here are some of his top highlights from his time at Marshall:

After trading back with the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round, the Colts gained a sixth-round selection after trading theirs away on Day 2 to move up a few spots to select Matt Goncalves. With that 201st pick, the Colts took Marshall cornerback Micah Abraham.

At 5-9 – 185 pounds, Abraham is a bit undersized compared to the cornerbacks that the Colts have traditionally targeted under GM Chris Ballard. His overall Relative Athletic Score is an outlier as well at 3.70–although Abraham does have 4.4 speed.

Abraham is a very experienced player, with 3,246 career snaps, most of which have come on the boundary. Throughout his five-year playing career, Abraham has allowed a completion rate of just 49 percent and has displayed excellent ball skills, with 34 pass breakups and 12 interceptions, according to PFF.

Given his size, could have Abraham compete for the backup nickel role behind Kenny Moore, but overall, he adds depth and competition to a position group where that’s needed.

For more on Abraham and what he brings to the Colts’ defense, here is what a few draft experts had to say in their pre-draft scouting reports:

Lance Zierlein – NFL.com

“Ball-hawking cover man with impressive instincts and rare ball production. Abraham is highly experienced as a wide corner, but a lack of size will necessitate a move to the slot. He plays with greedy eyes and is constantly looking to make a play on the football. He looks twitchier on tape than he did at his pro day and already possesses NFL-caliber ball skills. His technique and pad level can be sloppy, and that must be ironed out if he is to have a shot at covering NFL slot targets. His aggressive mindset extends to his hitting and tackling. Abraham is capable in man or zone coverage, but zone might give him the best chance to shine at the next level.”

NFL Draft Diamonds

“Micah Abraham shows good traits and abilities to be a good player at the next level but needs to improve in some key areas to find success, which is why I see him as a bit of a project right now. Abraham could translate better in Man down the round, but with his instincts and ball skills he may perform better in a Zone scheme early on until he can clean up the technique issues he showed in Man this past year.”

With the 201st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Micah Abraham, cornerback from Marshall. Here is a quick breakdown of the pick.

Height: 5-9

Weight: 185

RAS: 3.70

Stats to know: Abraham is a very experienced player with 3,246 career snaps, the majority of which have come lined up on the boundary. Over his career, Abraham has allowed a completion rate of only 49 percent and 15.1 yards per catch. He’s had very good ball production as well, with 12 interceptions and 34 pass breakups. Missed tackles have been an issue, but Abraham did play 505 career special teams snaps.

Fit with Colts: Selecting Abraham is a bit of an outlier selection for GM Chris Ballard. He’s a bit undersized and didn’t test all that well. However, there is something to be said for his experience and ability to make plays on the ball. Abraham provides depth where competition is needed and could compete for snaps on special teams.

Profile from NFL Draft Diamonds: “Micah Abraham shows good traits and abilities to be a good player at the next level but needs to improve in some key areas to find success, which is why I see him as a bit of a project right now. Abraham could translate better in Man down the round, but with his instincts and ball skills he may perform better in a Zone scheme early on until he can clean up the technique issues he showed in Man this past year.”