Micah Abraham might be the most overlooked player in this year’s NFL Draft.
The redshirt senior was a menace in the secondary for Marshall the past three seasons, starting in every game during that span except for one. His play this year earned him First Team All-Sun Belt honors for the second consecutive season.
For most of his college career, he’s consistently been a lockdown corner in the best Group of Five conference in the country.
So, what’s the catch? Why is Abraham hardly making any draft noise?
Perhaps one reason is because of his size. At 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, he’s not exactly the biggest guy on the field. He also isn’t the most physical, and perhaps his size has something to do with this. Abraham can sometimes get taken out of plays while failing to shed any blocks.
A lack of physicality can mean bad news in the NFL. But Abraham can certainly become more physical and will put on more muscle and weight during his quest to make an NFL roster.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Versatile Defender
Abraham has the ability to play solid in both zone and man-to-man situations. Even though he does lack some physicality, it’s great he can be a ballhawk in a zone defense because he won’t need to be as physical in those situations.
He’s had double-digit pass breakups the past three seasons — 14 in 2021, 10 in 2022, and 15 in 2023 — and has 11 picks during that span. This includes a six-interception 2022 campaign.
To be fair, Abraham’s numbers could be much higher if teams would throw his way more often. It seems when he’s tested, he makes plays. Last year, Abraham had seven games where he didn’t record a pass breakup or an interception, but four games where he tallied three pass breakups.
I wouldn’t necessarily say those splits are a bad thing, but it might even be a good thing he’s not recording any stats. Receivers don’t get many targets against him because they’re not open:
Abraham is often stuck on a receiver’s hip and doesn’t let them get much separation. He has a natural feel and speed to match opposing receivers step-for-step and has great route anticipation and breaks on balls really well.
Big Game Player
One thing is for sure — Abraham isn’t afraid of playing in the lights.
Some of the best games of his career have been in Marshall’s biggest games and against its toughest opponents. This included the Thundering Herd’s 26-21 upset victory over then No. 8-ranked Notre Dame in Week 2 of the 2022 campaign. Abraham had one pass breakup, an interception, and even tallied half a sack.
Abraham’s partner on the other side of the field, Steven Gilmore, took a pick-six late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Herd. This was probably the best CB duo in the conference at the time. Gilmore now suits up for the Detroit Lions.
Abraham has also played great in each of the three bowl games he’s been in, including against UTSA in this year’s Frisco Bowl where he recorded six tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception.
Related Articles
- G5 Transfer Portal Tracker
- 2024 NFL Draft: G5 Big Board & Top Prospects
- JMU’s Jamree Kromah A Possible Late-Round Draft Choice
Where Did Micah Abraham Get Drafted?
Abraham was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was selected with the 201st overall pick.
