10 Las Vegas Raiders who have something to prove in 2020

10 Las Vegas Raiders who have something to prove in 2020

SS Johnathan Abram

The talk this offseason was that the Raiders did not have two first round picks in 2020, but rather that they had three, thanks to the return of 2019 first rounder Johnathan Abram. The former Mississippi State Bulldog had the makings of a defensive leader all through training camp and the preseason, but his season ended after a highlight reel performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 1.

Abram returns after missing nearly all of the 2019 season, and his absence, combined with the Raiders struggles at the safety position have created a whole new level of hype around him. Many Raiders fans believe he is the x-factor for the defense in 2020, and from what little we saw of him in 2019, that faith may be justified.

There are question marks surrounding Abram’s ability in pass coverage but he gives the Raiders a physically imposing presence in the defensive backfield that can’t be overstated. He will have some veteran help alongside him at both the cornerback and free safety positions, but as Site Expert Brad Weiss stated recently, a healthy Abram is the key to the Raiders having a good defense in 2020.

Abram will have to prove quickly that he can stay healthy at the pro level and that all the hype around him as a savior of sorts is justified. He will quickly need to prove that he was worth the first round selection and worthy of the number 24 jersey in Silver and Black.