The Oakland Raiders were able to get their first taste of some live action in a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams this week.
The Raiders have several key members of their rookie class that they would like to get NFL-ready as soon as possible. Among the more notable is that of Johnathan Abram, who is expected to make an immediate impact after being taken with the 27th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Wednesday’s practice provided Abram with an opportunity to see what it is like squaring off against a high-powered offense. It appears he is happy with how the Raiders’ defense fared against the Rams.
According to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Abram feels confident that Oakland can keep up with anyone now:
Raiders S Johnathan Abram on what he learned from first joint practice vs. Rams: “We can play with anybody.” Team period was back-and-forth throughout morning. Rams defense won day on other field.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 7, 2019
Abram’s comments may seem a bit premature considering the preseason still has yet to officially begin and both teams are far from a finished product. Defenses also tend to be much further ahead of the offense around this time of year and it is safe to say any plays being run by either offense are a watered-down version of what is to come in the regular season.
Regardless, it is encouraging to see that the rookie is starting to feel more and more comfortable within the new system each day. With all the hype he has generated with his arrival, the 22-year-old will need to gain every edge he can if he hopes to exceed expectations moving forward.
Fortunately, it does not seem as though Abram is having a rough time standing out amongst his peers thus far heading into the preseason. Recent reports indicate that he has been the biggest surprise star on this year’s edition of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ which has taken an in-depth look at the team’s Training Camp.
The Raiders are optimistic that Abram can serve as an integral piece of a group that is looking to bounce back in the 2019 NFL season after finishing the 2018 campaign ranked 26th in the league in yards allowed and last in scoring defense. Their resurgence could potentially start with the pairing of him and another former first-round pick in Karl Joseph over the top.
Abram’s confidence and intensity will undoubtedly go a long way in turning things around in Oakland.
