Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict compliments rookie SS Johnathan Abram

The Oakland Raiders were one of the worst defenses in the league last year for a variety of reasons. They struggled to rush the passer and make many plays in the secondary.

But another problem Oakland has was they lacked toughness, especially in the middle of their defense. That is why the Raiders made it a priority to find players with physicality this offseason.

Two players that fit that role are linebacker Vontaze Burfict and strong safety Jonathan Abram. After just a few practices, the veteran linebacker already sees a little of himself in the rookie safety:

LB Vontaze Burfict said S Jonathan Abram reminds him of himself as a rookie. “He talks a little bit more than me, though. Sometimes I’ve got to tell him to shut up in the huddle. … But he backs it up. You can talk as much as you want, as long as you back it up.”

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 29, 2019

By all accounts, Abram has shown well during training camp in both run defense and in coverage. If he can continue to be a physical force in the middle of the field, teams will likely shy away from throwing the ball anywhere near him. Abram’s attitude and toughness are precisely what this Oakland defense needs to take the next step.