By all accounts, the Raiders got elite production out of their rookie class. Josh Jacobs finished as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 running back on the season. Maxx Crosby led the team in sacks with 10 and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow was the most efficient rookie receiver in the class.
Heading into the 2020 season, expectations are high for this sophomore class. But one player that isn’t receiving enough attention is No. 27 overall pick, Johnathan Abram.
After a fantastic training camp and preseason, Abram earned the starting strong safety spot entering the season. However, he was injured in Week 1 and never returned to the field. But could he become a star in Year 2? In a recent article by Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, he laid out the case as to why Abrams could break out this season:
Abram missed the entire season with a torn rotator cuff. The energy and attitude that he brings the defensive side of the ball should help the Raiders defense play with an edge. Vocal by nature, Abram had already begun to assert himself as one of the leaders on that side of the football before sustaining his injury. He can play closer to the box if asked.
If the Raiders could get Abram back at full strength, he would undoubtedly be one of the most significant additions of the offseason. His physicality and relentlessness is something the defense severely missed last season.
As long as Abram can stay healthy, he should be in line for a monster season with the Raiders. It wouldn’t even be a shock if he led the team in tackles given where he will likely line up on most downs. Abram should become a star during the 2020 season in Paul Guenther’s defense.
