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Oakland Raiders: Projected rookie roles, statistics for 2019 season

By Maurice Moton

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 06: Johnathan Abram #38 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 06: Johnathan Abram #38 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

S Johnathan Abram (No. 27 overall)

The Raiders went with an NFL-ready safety, who’s not afraid to mix it up with his opponents physically or verbally on the field. He’s an enforcer, a tone-setting defender and potential shallow-zone solution in coverage.

Johnathan Abram brings swagger to the field, but that’s not going to make plays. He’s a heavy-hitter, but in today’s league, referees are quick to throw flags. The Mississippi State product must show more of his skill to live up to first-round expectations.

It’s no surprise the Raiders declined Karl Joseph‘s fifth-year option after taking Abram with the 27th overall pick; their skill sets overlap, but the former Bulldog may offer a little more to the defense because of his size.

The fiery safety could lead the team in tackles this year if he stays healthy through all the contact. It’s important for the coaching staff to test his ability to cover tight ends in the seam since Joseph hasn’t fared well in that area. The rookie first-rounder plays with a bigger frame (6-0, 205 pounds) and seems like a better matchup in coverage.

Box safeties are like two-down run-stoppers—they have limited value in a pass-heavy league. Defenses must aim to sack the quarterback or cover his receivers. Abram has the qualities of a thumper with solid tackling, but his worth can increase or drop based on production in coverage. Right now, you can count on him listing top two on the team in solo takedowns for the upcoming season.

Projection: 67 solo tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1 interception

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