Just Blog Baby
FanSided

Returning Raiders that must improve for the team to flourish in 2022

By Nick Bailey

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A general view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A general view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 07, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 07, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Returning Raiders that must improve for the team to flourish in 2022

Johnathan Abram

When the Raiders drafted Johnathan Abram in 2019 to come in alongside Clelin Ferrell and Josh Jacobs, he was expected to be one of those players that helped turn that forever struggling Raiders defense around. He was even given the number 24 which is a much valued and usually earned number for the Raiders and their defensive backs with Hall of Famers like Charles Woodson and Willie Brown wearing it.

However, he has yet to earn that number, and going into next season, will he even have a starting role within the Raiders defense? In Patrick Graham’s defensive scheme he needs both safeties to have coverage ability, and while we already know how well second-year safety Trevon Moehrig can cover we also know Abram struggles in that department.

In 2021, Abram allowed 52 receptions on 79 targets which comes out to a 79.2% completion percentage against, five touchdowns, and allowed a quarterback rating of 112.0. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t make many improvements from his 2020 season where he allowed an 81.8% completion percentage, two touchdowns.

If Abram wants to not only be on the field this season but with the Raiders moving forward after this season as his fifth-year option is one of the three that the Raiders will have to make a decision on sooner or later.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News