Las Vegas Raiders: Grading Year 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft class

Johnathan Abram – S

Johnathan Abram’s rookie season ended before it really got started, with a torn rotator cuff and labrum sustained in the first half of the first game of the year, so this year was in a sense a rookie season, and it showed.

Abram was arguably the worst performer on the entire defense this season. While known as an extremely physical hard-hitter whose strength should be playing the run, even there he struggled. Abram’s aggressiveness was actually a hindrance, as he too often comes down too hard and misses his target or goes for the diving hard hit and whiffs.

That physicality does lead to some highlight-worthy tackles, but he also missed way too many and gave up way too many big plays doing so. His 86 combined tackles showed he can be a solid tackler when he wraps up, but he needs to become more disciplined and do so more consistently.

In coverage, Abram was even worse. He gave up 21 of his 31 targets, and at times looked lost. He definitely needs to take better angles playing the ball, as he does have the speed to have the range and be positive in coverage with improvement in the mental aspect of the game.

Abram finished the season with a PFF grade of 35.9, which ranked him dead last among the 92 safeties graded.

The physical tools are there and this being practically his rookie season there is hope that with new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who is known for getting the most out of his players, Abram can still turn out to be a solid safety in the future.

2020 Performance Grade: F

Pick: D