Just Blog Baby
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Prospects that may not fit the Oakland Raiders

By Jordan Alexis

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: UCLA offensive lineman Kolton Miller speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: UCLA offensive lineman Kolton Miller speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Kolton Miller – Offensive Tackle, UCLA

Living in southern California, I see quite a bit of UCLA games, and it’s hard not to notice Kolton Miller. He has the physical traits at 6’8 and 310 LBS that make him an ideal tackle prospect. He plays physical and loves to finish blocks in the run game which is something I’m sure coach Gruden will value.

UCLA also ran a good amount of zone blocking concepts which I’m sure offensive line coach Tom Cable has noticed.

The issue is, he is so raw when it comes to footwork and overall pass protection. He constantly commits false steps which makes him late in his pass sets and susceptible to the speed rush. He’ll then overset to make up for the speed rush and get beat easily on speed-to-power moves inside. To see examples of this go watch the UCLA vs. Memphis game on YouTube.

It was probably his worst game of the season, and his poor technique was on full display.

The Raiders need a right tackle, but I don’t think Miller is the answer. In reality, the tackle class is so bad I’m not sure there is an immediate answer. Necessity will lead to some prospects getting bumped up higher in the draft, and Miller appears to be getting the biggest push.

I’d proceed with extreme caution if I were Gruden or GM Reggie McKenzie. Not only because of how raw Miller is, but I don’t trust Tom Cable for one second to properly develop the guy. I want Miller to go to a top-notch line coach and not face pressure to play right away. I’m not sure he’ll find that in Oakland.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders Draft