Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 53-man roster prediction after preseason Game No. 1

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Cornerback Nate Hobbs #39, defensive back Johnathan Abram #24, and cornerback Amik Robertson #21 of the Las Vegas Raiders react after a sack against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Cornerback Nate Hobbs #39, defensive back Johnathan Abram #24, and cornerback Amik Robertson #21 of the Las Vegas Raiders react after a sack against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
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HENDERSON, NEVADA – JULY 29: Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders listens to a question from a reporter during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 29, 2021, in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
HENDERSON, NEVADA – JULY 29: Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders listens to a question from a reporter during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 29, 2021, in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 53-man roster prediction after preseason Game No. 1

Safety (4)

  • SS: Johnathan Abram, Karl Joseph, Tyreese Gillespie
  • FS: Trevon Moehrig

One of the biggest pluses from the game this past weekend was that Johnathan Abram and Trevon Moehrig both got some reps as the starting safety. This was important for both of them, as it gave both players the chance to adapt to their new roles with the team.

Abram will be playing as a box safety this season, which allows him to play tighter to the line of scrimmage and gives him more freedom to make a big tackle. Essentially, it fits his playstyle much better than the way he was used last year.

In the first preseason game, it showed.

Abram looked much more comfortable on the field, and he seemed to have a bit more confidence. If he continues to get a lot of preseason snaps, then he should be ready to go when the season starts against the Baltimore Ravens.

As for Moehrig, he has the chance to get his rookie mistakes out of the way now. If he messes up a play here or there during the preseason, it’s no big deal. These games don’t count. Experiencing those mistakes is all a part of his growth as a player, and they’ll prepare him for the starting safety role he’ll be expected to take on in week one.

Schedule