After being Jon Gruden’s controversial first pick in his head coaching return to the Raiders in 2018, Kolton Miller is thriving heading into 2021.
In 2018, Jon Gruden returned to the then-Oakland Raiders and started his tenure with a bang. Not only did he trade All-Pro edge defender Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears, but he also made a questionable, at the time, first-round draft pick, according to many scouts and media pundits alike.
While many mocked the pick of Kolton Miller in 2018, in 2020, the former UCLA Bruin put to rest the ‘reach’ mindset of many of his critics.
Kolton Miller was the anchor of the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line in 2020
Last season for the Silver and Black, it could be said that Kolton Miller was the team’s best offensive lineman. Miller started in 14 games, and only missed two due to a nagging ankle injury, despite that, there weren’t many flaws to be found in his gameday performances.
Kolton has always been a sound left tackle in pass protection, but he also showed that he can be a difference-maker in the run game last season.
Kolton Miller pancake alert. He had quite the peformance on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/QQ8Hf35H4C
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) September 17, 2020
For the most part, the soon-to-be fourth-year Raider has come along nicely as Las Vegas’ foundational left tackle. While he isn’t the strongest offensive tackle, Kolton displayed his above-average athleticism at the offensive tackle position more times than not in 2020. With that being said, both the coaching staff and organization rewarded him this past offseason for both his development and potential.
What’s in store for the Raiders and Kolton Miller in 2021?
The Las Vegas Raiders starting left tackle’s wallet is heavier this offseason, but that does not deter him from continually developing and improving. For the Silver and Black, it seems as if the ceiling of Kolton Miller’s potential has not even scratched the surface.
A player that once struggled mightily as a rookie is now one of the highest-paid players at his position after just three years in the NFL, and for many good reasons.
First and foremost, he will remain as Derek Carr’s blindside protector for the foreseeable future. Secondly, in a modern NFL where pass rushers are more athletic than ever, Kolton Miller proves that he can consistently match their athleticism.
Lastly, as Miller looks to take another step forward already as an above-average left tackle, a Pro Bowl bid is not out of the question for the behemoth in 2021. His commitment to improvement and excellence is the exact mindset and motto of the Raiders organization.