Four observations from Oakland Raiders HBO Hard Knocks Episode 1

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders and head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter against Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders and head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter against Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 06: Johnathan Abram #38 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 06: Johnathan Abram #38 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Johnathan Abram is a star

With their final of three first round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected safety Johnathan Abram from Mississippi State. Known for his ability to come up and make the big hit from his safety position, Abram also proved himself to be quite the star in his first training camp with the Raiders.

Whether he was riding a horse with fellow rookie Clelin Ferrell, or learning how to pronounce salmon when out to dinner with Derek Carr and the rest of the rookies, Abram certainly got a ton of screen time. On the field, he proved to have quite the motor, and was told to relax by head coach Jon Gruden due to the fact he was coming up and hitting players in shorts.

The truth is, Abram is going to be a key piece to this Raiders defense, and he showed on Tuesday that he is going to be a punishing force in the team’s secondary. He is certain to get a ton of screen time as this series continues, and was by far the biggest star in what was a tremendous first episode.

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