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What does adding Johnathan Abram do for the Packers?

By Emmitt Sevores

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Will Fuller V #3 of the Miami Dolphins misses a catch in the end zone as defensive back Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders defends in overtime of their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Will Fuller V #3 of the Miami Dolphins misses a catch in the end zone as defensive back Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders defends in overtime of their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers claimed former Raiders safety Johnathan Abram off waivers after he was released by Las Vegas on Tuesday.

The former 2019 first-round pick, who was taken six picks after current Packers safety Darnell Savage Jr., now joins a Green Bay team that is desperate for help after an injury-riddled and backbreaking performance against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Abram adds depth at a position that the Packers are underperforming at

Savage has been one of the worst safeties in football this season, coming in with the 85th-highest coverage grade out of 90 safeties who have played at least 312 coverage snaps, per PFF.

That is not great for a player who was supposed to be a game-changer following a really good 2020 campaign. With Savage seemingly taking a step back every week, taking a chance on Abram doesn’t seem like the worst idea.

First off, where Savage is ranked 85th, Abram is ranked 77th. Not a massive upgrade but an upgrade nonetheless. Abram also adds an element that I think Joe Barry can take advantage of, especially with his job as defensive coordinator becoming more uncertain.

Abram has been somewhat effective as a pass-rusher. He has seven pressures with six hurries on 27 pass-rushing snaps this season, while Savage and Adrian Amos have 11 pass-rush snaps total this season. Amos has four pressures, while Savage has zero.

Ultimately, I think he will be used primarily on special teams.

Former Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia was hired this offseason to be the Packers’ special teams coordinator, and with him, he has already brought special teamers Keisean Nixon and Dallin Leavitt to Green Bay. So adding Abram for that purpose is extremely likely.

With the injury to Eric Stokes that could have him sidelined for the foreseeable future, Nixon will be playing more coverage snaps, opening the hole on special teams for Abram, who has over 200 special teams snaps in his career.

The move is ultimately a low-risk one for the Packers, but I like the move. It gives Green Bay some flexibility at safety, so you don’t have to rely on Rudy Ford if Savage goes down or isn’t playing well.

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