NAME: Johnathan Abram
POSITION: Safety
SCHOOL: Mississippi State
CONFERENCE: SEC
CLASS: Senior
JERSEY: No. 38
RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star
HT: 5′ 11 3/8″
WT: 205
D.O.B.: 10/25/1996
| Tackles | Tackles | Tackles | Tackles | Tackles | Def Int | Def Int | Def Int | Def Int | Def Int | Fumbles | Fumbles | Fumbles | Fumbles | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF |
| *2015 | Georgia | SEC | FR | S | 8 | 11 | 14 | 25 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2017 | Mississippi State | SEC | JR | DB | 12 | 43 | 28 | 71 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | |||
| *2018 | Mississippi State | SEC | SR | S | 13 | 53 | 46 | 99 | 9.0 | 3.0 | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Career | Overall | 107 | 88 | 195 | 15.5 | 5.0 | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 3 | ||||||
| Georgia | 11 | 14 | 25 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Mississippi State | 96 | 74 | 170 | 14.0 | 5.0 | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 3 |
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr6znbyU9-I
Pros:
Johnathan Abram’s biggest strength as a safety prospect is his ability to play around the line of scrimmage as a box safety, which is why he’s projected to be a strong safety in the NFL. Possesses the prototypical size for the position. He also has the ability and skill set to play a hybrid safety/linebacker role as well.
Abram is at his best when he’s playing downhill and sideline to sideline against the run. His size, strength, and physicality allow him to stack and shed blocks like a linebacker. Aggressive tackler who is always looking to deliver a big hit. Also shows good technique to get his head across the ball carrier’s chest while wrapping up to make the tackle.
Shows adequate range and speed in coverage. Is able to flip his hips and redirect to change direction quickly, but there is some stiffness there as well. Has the size and athletic ability to match up with tight ends. Shows an understanding of route recognition. His physicality in the run game carries over into the passing game.
Cons:
The biggest concern about Johnathan Abram’s game is his ability, or lack thereof, in coverage. Whether it’s an man or zone coverage, he struggles with his responsibilities and can be eaten alive by receivers who know what they’re doing. This doesn’t bode well for his transition to the NFL, which has become a heavy passing league.
His aggressive nature will get him into trouble in the passing game. Can be clunky in his transitions against good route runners. Will panic and grab when he’s caught out of position, which has generated, or should have, flags being thrown. Lack of desired range will keep him from becoming a deep safety, making him a strong safety only.
Questionable ball skills. Only has two interceptions and 10 pass deflections in his career. Struggles locating the ball and doesn’t show instincts or anticipation to jump routes. Can be too aggressive against the run, causing him to over pursue and create cutback lanes.
Cowboys Fit:
If the Dallas Cowboys are looking for a hard-hitting strong safety who excels around the line of scrimmage, then Johnathan Abram is their guy. He is a heatseeking missile when playing downhill or sideline to sideline, and would play that Kam Chancellor type role on the backend of Kris Richard’s defense. He has outstanding size and speed for the position, and is a more fluid athlete then he’s given credit for. More of a “traditional” throwback safety.
Abram unfortunately struggles in coverage, despite showing good range and long speed. He may be nothing more than a box safety or nickel/dime linebacker in the NFL. This could hurt his chances of landing with the Cowboys, especially if they are looking for an interchangeable safety to pair with Xavier Woods. But, if there are looking for that “enforcer” type of player, they’d probably have to take him at 58 in the second-round because it’s unlikely he will still be there when they’re on the clock in the third-round.
