Las Vegas Raiders: Player with most to prove at each defensive position in 2021

Jul 28, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is pictured during a team practice at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is pictured during a team practice at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Las Vegas Raiders: Player with most to prove at each defensive position in 2021

Safety: Johnathan Abram

For me, the most disappointing player on the Raiders defense last season was Johnathan Abram. Abram was rated as the worst safety in the NFL by PFF, a site that I do not put a lot of stock into, but at the same time, being ranked last means something.

There were multiple times that Abram hurt the team last season, whether he missed a tackle by trying to make a big hit, or when he left his zone against the Chiefs to try and chase down Mahomes. Abram was yet another first-round pick by the Raiders that is not living up to expectations, and he has a lot to fix.

Abram needs to tone it down with the aggression, as he hurts himself, gives up penalties, and misses important tackles by trying to make a highlight play. Like Arnette, there are other safeties on the team that will be ready if Abram continues to struggle. As a player that clearly wants to be a leader on this team, he needs to start by making smart choices on the field.

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