Raiders: Players who must improve to stick around in Las Vegas
Raiders: Players who must improve to stick around in Las Vegas
Players on the defense who need to take their game to the next level.
Former first round pick Johnathan Abram is in real trouble of losing his starting job. Although solid against the run, he continues to be a liability in coverage.
Truthfully, Abram can’t take all the heat here. As a box safety who continues to flash pass rushing skills, there’s not much sense in sacrificing what he excels in for what he struggles with.
Even still, the safety wearing Charles Woodson’s legendary 24 needs to do more. Abram allowed 54 catches, which was the most among safeties. Even worse, he recorded a monstrous 112 patter rating when targeted, per SI. As a unit, the Raiders defense allowed the 9th highest QB rate – His coverage is a big reason why, and that has to change.
Lastly, Cory Littleton has to prove he’s worth the $35 million contract he got in 2020 before it gets cut short.
As is, Littleton might’ve already dug his own grave, continuously being mentioned as a potential cap casualty. PFF’s highest grade on the linebacker is 47.8 since joining the Raiders, and as such, it’s not too surprising rookie Divine Deablo ate some of his snaps as the season went on.
With Patrick Graham, Littleton has a new chance to prove he’s the man Vegas thought he was when they brought him in – If the Raiders are willing to give him that chance. The weakside linebacker role hasn’t been too kind to him, but Graham is sure to switch him around in his ‘multi scheme’ defensive approach.