Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders first round picks since 2010

Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders first-round picks since 2010

3. Kolton Miller: 2018 – 15th overall, UCLA

When the Raiders made this selection in 2018, there were so many doubters that it’s almost a miracle that Kolton Miller is so high on this list. Obviously, when the Raiders drafted him 15th overall they saw something that many others in the league did not see as he has become one hell of a player.

Miller struggled initially in his rookie season as he played through various leg injuries but he has developed into a franchise left tackle in three seasons. The Raiders clearly feel the same as they rewarded him with a three-year extension worth more than $18 million per year which includes  $42.6 million guaranteed.

The former UCLA Bruin has gone from punchline to potential Pro Bowler as he has put on muscle and improved in the technical aspects of his game. His PFF grades have improved to reflect his growth as he has from a 49 his rookie year to a 65 his second season, and finally a 72.9 in 2020. His sacks allowed have also decreased exponentially from 16 in 2018 to just 2 in 2020.

The Raiders now have a cornerstone left tackle who is just 25 years old and is getting better every year. If he follows in the footsteps of other great Raider offensive lineman such as Gene Upshaw and Art Shell he may end up being the best pick of the Jon Gruden era.