Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram had a difficult season last year, to say the least. After suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 1 of his rookie season in 2019, many anticipated that the former Mississippi State Bulldog would have a stellar first full NFL season in 2020.
After an impressive opening performance against the Carolina Panthers, Abram’s season changed the following week after colliding with a television cart on Monday Night Football in Las Vegas’ first-ever home game in Allegiant Stadium. From that point forward, Covid-19, injuries, and overall poor play plagued Abram for the remainder of the season.
Overall, his 2020 campaign was disappointing, but the only way for him to trend as a player is up. The new defensive regime in Las Vegas has the ability to help him become a contributor at his position in 2021 with the proper instruction.
Gus Bradley and Ron Milus will help Abram succeed in the new Raiders defense.
Many may be critical of Abram’s 2020 season, but it is important to remember that last year was essentially his rookie season. That is not to excuse his questionable play at times; it is more to remind that he is a young player who still has the ability to be molded into a good one.
With former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley taking the Raiders defensive helm in 2021, Abram will have an opportunity to prove himself once more. In addition to Bradley, new Raiders defensive back coach Ron Milus brings years of experience and expertise that have helped numerous defensive backs become some of the best players at their position.
For example, Chargers safety Derwin James was a highly touted collegiate prospect from Florida State University. Still, the Bradley and Milus-led defensive staff in Los Angeles coached to his strengths as a playmaking safety that hovers around the line of scrimmage pre-snap.
Derwin James' versatility is so rare.
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) July 10, 2019
- Excelled at multiple positions
- Plus play in run defense, coverage and pass-rush
- Thrived in Gus Bradley's zone-heavy scheme with multiple responsibilities (i.e. deep third, deep half, curl/flat).pic.twitter.com/6OuAiL5Wt7
As you can see above, James thrives around the line of scrimmage, and Gus Bradley capitalized on his unique skillset. Instead of keeping him strictly as a deep coverage safety, Bradley moved him around the defensive formation and used him as a rusher to keep opposing offenses on their toes.
The Las Vegas Raiders would be wise to utilize Abram in a similar concept. In conclusion, the Silver and Black’s soon-to-be third-year safety has the talent and now the coaching staff to improve and become a force on the Raiders defense in 2021.