What to expect from the Oakland Raiders rookies in 2018

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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Kolton Miller of UCLA talks with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #15 overall by the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Kolton Miller. 15. player. 28. . Offensive Tackle. UCLA

Expectation: Starter

As someone who wasn’t a fan of Kolton Miller pick, I really don’t want to see him starting. However, the reality is you don’t draft a guy in the first round to have him sit and watch. Jon Gruden and Tom Cable went after Miller because they see a need to upgrade the tackle spots, so he is going to play.

I still have my reservation as to whether Miller is ready to play in a division with such strong edge rushers but I guess it’ll be trial by fire.

The current question with Miller is whether he will start on the left or right side. Donald Penn is still recovering from Lisfranc surgery on his foot and will be 35 years old this season. There is really no telling how he will return from the injury so Miller could step right in. If Penn is ready to go week 1, Miller has experience at right tackle, and there is really not a significant threat to start over him.

Personally, I would just keep Miller on the left side and figure out something on the right side. But Gruden has lauded Miller for his versatility.

"“We added an outstanding young prospect at left tackle who can also play right tackle,” he said."

Miller was not good as a right tackle at UCLA in 2016. Injuries ended his season early, but even in the limited time, he just seemed uncomfortable. Plus, Miller himself has stated he prefers playing on the left side.

I expect him to leap Penn and become the Raiders’ new starting left tackle.

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