Raiders: Players in danger of losing their starting jobs to 2022 draft picks
Johnathan Abram
This one is a bit different. When I did both Parker and Edwards, I didn’t focus on one specific player from the draft as a replacement, as there is [likely] an array of options that make a lot of sense. With this one, though, I’m focusing on one specific player – Maryland safety, Nick Cross.
I’ve written about Cross a bit in the past and noted how he plays like a Raider. His ability to punish a ball carrier that gets in his box is Raider-esque, historically speaking, and his versatility is perfect for the Raiders of the present day.
At this point, I don’t know how many times I’ve said it, but it’s too high to count – Patrick Graham’s favorites versatility, more so than other defensive coordinators league-wide. To a point, his defensive scheme actually relies on versatility.
Cross is versatile in every way imaginable.
The Maryland defensive back has totaled 4 sacks, 5 interceptions, 10 broken-up passes, and 3 forced fumbles in his 27 contests with the school.
Cross has played everywhere in the secondary, and that’s specifically important to note when talking about why Johnathan Abram’s time as a starter may come to an end if the Raiders draft the Maryland DB.
Las Vegas Raiders: 2022 NFL Draft Tracker, Grades, and More
The Las Vegas Raiders and the rest of the NFL will kick off the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, and here is our tracker for the event.
Abram has been nothing short of a liability in coverage, allowing a career opposing passer rating of 111.5, on top of the 7 scores he’s allowed in the past two seasons. Not only does Cross play the run well, but he has much better ball skills than Abram, making him the favorable option out of the gate in passing situations. Abram has a niche in his pass-rushing skills, but Cross can pressure quarterbacks, too.