4 potential scapegoats if things go wrong for the Raiders in 2021

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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 /

4 potential scapegoats if things go wrong for the Raiders in 2021

Johnathan Abram, S

In the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the then-Oakland Raiders selected Johnathan Abram, a hard-hitting safety from Mississippi State. Cut from the same mold as Karl Joseph, Abram was supposed to come in and be a superstar for the Raiders, and he looked to be all the part early on.

After starring on Hard Knocks, Abram was having a terrific first NFL game against the Denver Broncos but ended up getting hurt and missing the rest of the season. Healthy in 2020, Abram struggled, and in fairness, it was basically his rookie season, and a season marred with a pandemic.

Still, he has to be better in Year 3, as the Raiders traded up for Trevon Moehrig to put alongside him, and brought back Karl Joseph. In addition, Tyree Gillespie was selected in the fourth round, so if Abram struggles in a big way under Bradley, who is known for doing wonders with the defensive backfield, the Silver and Black now have the depth to bench him.

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