Las Vegas Raiders: Fact or fiction for biggest 2020 season question marks

NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders gets calls a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders gets calls a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) ) /
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Raiders vs. Browns 2018
Raiders LT Kolton Miller (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: Fact or fiction for biggest 2020 season question marks

Kolton Miller Will Be a Pro Bowler in 2020

Kolton Miller has generated Pro Bowl buzz among Raiders coaches, per Tafur:

As a rookie, Miller allowed 12 sacks and that number dropped to eight last season, per STATS (via the Washington Post). He made strides in pass protection, which explains the excitement for his third term.

However, Miller would have to take another substantial leap for a Pro Bowl nod. Let’s take a look at the 2019 Pro Bowl tackles for the AFC, including Orlando Brown Jr., who replaced Trent Brown because of a pectoral injury.

·      Ronnie Stanley: 0 sacks

·      Trent Brown: 1.5 sack

·      Laremy Tunsil: 3 sacks

·      Orlando Brown Jr.: 2 sacks

*Sack count courtesy of STATS (via the Washington Post)

Miller would likely have to cut his sacks allowed in about half again. That’s a tough task in a division with Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa and Frank Clark coming off the edge. In addition, he’ll also see Cameron Jordan, Myles Garrett and the 2019 sack leader Shaquil Barrett during the upcoming campaign.

Just about every other week, Miller will battle a top-notch pass-rusher who can constantly pressure the left side of the offense.

In the big picture, Miller may improve, but he would need to overcome elite competition to make the Pro Bowl. That’s not impossible—just extremely difficult.

Verdict: Fiction