Las Vegas Raiders: Why these 4 big contracts need to be great in 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: An Oakland Raiders helmet on the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: An Oakland Raiders helmet on the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Defensive end Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers against offensive tackle Kolton Miller #74 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: Why these 4 big contracts need to be great in 2021

Kolton Miller, OT

Going into the offseason, many felt that the Raiders were set along the offensive line, as it was a veteran group that had played together the last few seasons. However, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden quickly changed that perception, trading away Rodney Hudson, Trent Brown, and Gabe Jackson, giving way to a brand new unit upfront.

While changes are coming at guard, tackle, and center, one position that will remain the same is left tackle. That is the spot manned by Kolton Miller, a 2018 first-round draft pick that has blossomed into one of the better young left tackles in football after a tough rookie season.

Now that he is the unquestioned leader of this offensive line, Miller must be great, especially with a rookie likely starting across from him at right tackle in Alex Leatherwood. So for Miller, he not only has to be great on the field but also off of it, as Leatherwood will likely go through the same tough times as he did back in 2018.

Overall, there is enough talent on the offensive line to be a top unit once again in 2021, but it will all be based on how well Miller can step up in 2021. He is going to be an outstanding player for this franchise for a long time, and in 2021, they need him now more than ever.