Johnathan Abram may make a quick impact for the Raiders as a rookie.
The safety out of Mississippi State was Oakland’s third first-round pick in the recent NFL draft, at No. 27 overall, after the team selected defensive end Clelin Ferrell of Clemson and running back Josh Jacobs of Alabama.
Abram is a fit at strong safety, where he established a reputation in college as a solid hitter and tackler, but with enough speed to be effective in pass coverage.
At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, he’s been described as a “blunt-force striker” and physical run defender.
And, this week, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein listed Abram as one of his three favorite first-round picks in the draft.
Wrote Zielein: “I can’t stress this enough – Abram might have the most pro-ready mindset and game of any of the draft’s first-rounders. He’s a clear-cut alpha dog on the field with an unyielding desire to run, hit and impose his will. He can be a little limited in coverage, but general manager Mike Mayock added a guy with a chance to be a Day 1 starter and instant tone setter as he remakes the football character of his team.”
Abram started his college career at Georgia, but returned to his native Mississippi to play a season in junior college, where he was the No. 1 JUCO recruit in the country at his position. He then thrived for Mississippi State, where he was a third-team All-America pick as a senior when he led his team with 99 tackles, including nine for loss, and had three sacks and two interceptions.
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ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay also labeled Abram the best safety in the draft and calls him a “human torpedo.”
But, Abram will have to earn his playing time. Former No. 1 pick Karl Joseph is the incumbent starter at strong safety and free-agent, veteran pickup Lamarcus Joyner is No. 1 at free safety.
