Las Vegas Raiders: 4 players who could improve the most in 2021
By Nick Bailey
![Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15248922-850x560-e8610ac6ecf5c4536e0524298ef2209af90e9e2305f8319f7e10fafc1441dfc5.jpg)
The Las Vegas Raiders have their eyes set on the playoffs this season, and here are four players who could improve the most over last season.
The Las Vegas Raiders were so close to the playoffs last season, but whether it was injury or COVID, their young players could not stay on the field enough to produce or properly develop. If the Raiders want to get where they want to go this season, the playoffs, the young players need to produce and do it at a high level.
With almost an entirely new defensive coaching staff in the fold, this season, defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was the only holdover, the players and fans alike are pretty confident that they will make the improvements necessary to take that next step. The offense was one of the best in football this past season, and if Gus Bradley can get the defense moving in the right direction, playoffs are certainly a possibility.
Here are the four players who could improve the most this season.
4 Raiders who could improve the most in 2021
Johnathan Abram
Johnathan Abram had an up and down first full season on the field, after only being able to play in one game in his actual rookie season due to a broken collarbone. But from that first game against the Denver Broncos, Raiders fans were eager to see what Abram would do once he was healthy.
Unfortunately for Abram, the mistakes were more glaring and more costly than any good he did do on the field. Some feel he may have been playing out of position most of the time, but the fact is, there were a ton of expectations on him, and his wild play proved to be his downfall at times.
With Gus Bradley running the show, putting him more in the box, and letting him attack down the field, it will allow Abram’s talents to flourish. I sincerely think he can become a Jamal Adams-type of player, and I know I’m not the only one excited to see him lay those big hits once again.