Raiders: 5 former first-round picks that must reach their potential in 2021

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders hauls in a fourth quarter touchdown against Josh Adams #36 of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders hauls in a fourth quarter touchdown against Josh Adams #36 of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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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
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

The Las Vegas Raiders have plenty of first-round picks on the roster in 2021, and these five must reach their potential this upcoming season.

The 2021 season is one where plenty of players, coaches, and personnel will be on the hot seat if the Las Vegas Raiders fail to make the playoffs once again. This offseason, Las Vegas has brought in a bunch of new faces, including some former top picks, but for this to work, first-round selections must reach their potential.

Here, we look at five former first-round picks who must reach their potential in 2021.

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 former first-round picks that must reach their potential in 2021

No. 5: Johnathan Abram

No big shock here, as the Raiders secondary has been atrocious over the past few seasons, even with the franchise using high draft capital there. One player who has yet to play up to his potential is Johnathan Abram, a hard-hitting safety from Mississippi State that looked good early on, but has been bitten by the injury bug ever since.

There have been some moments, and 2020 was basically his rookie season, so do not count him out yet. In fact, with more talent at the safety position coming in, Abram should establish himself as a leader, but entering Year 3, the time is running out for him to prove he is a part of the long-term solution in Las Vegas.

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