In a new series that CUSportsNation.com will be running over the next couple of weeks, we'll be going through the top offensive and defensive players in 2018 according to Pro Football Focus' analytics. We started with the defensive, and cornerback Delrick Abrams Jr. cracks the list at No. 6.
Note: Players needed to have seen 250 snaps in order to be on this list... 16 Buff defenders played 250+ snaps
2018 STATS
44 tackles
1 tackle for loss
8 pass break ups
1 forced fumble
3 quarterback pressures
Abrams was thrown at 48 times (25 completions) for 348 yards and three touchdowns on the 2018 season.
TOP GAME OF THE SEASON
Abrams' top game of the season was against Arizona State, as he graded at 77.3 according to Pro Football Focus. He played 59 snaps in that contest and recorded 4 tackles, which included key third and fourth down stops, and one pass break up. Abrams was shut down on the afternoon, as the Sun Devils threw his way just once.
OUTLOOK ON ABRAMS
Abrams graded lower than I thought he would. I thought his tackling was very good this season (outside of the Nebraska game) as he was very good tackling in the flats. He is a shoo-in starter at cornerback in 2019. His 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame allows him to cover bigger receivers, and his lateral quickness allows him to guard smaller, quicker guys as well. Abrams is due for a big senior year at CU.
Top Buff defenders in 2018
No. 10 Rick Gamboa (65.8 grade)
No. 9 Derrion Rakestraw (70.5 grade)
No. 8 Evan Worthington (71.9 grade)
No. 7 Israel Antwine (72.3 grade)
