5 things Las Vegas Raiders fans should be thankful for in 2021
By Brad Weiss
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders is introduced before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders is introduced before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1343094663-850x560-d7b85392b2e4cc7f0dee8dfd6b5903e7a7f5b1c0f4b125ab249b7f8bb85a6cee.jpg)
5 things Raiders fans should be thankful for in 2021
Kolton Miller
During the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the then-Oakland Raiders selected UCLA left tackle Kolton Miller with the first draft pick of the new Jon Gruden era. Considered a late-first round pick, or Day 2 guy, the pick was scoffed at, especially considering they had Donald Penn on the roster, who was a Pro Bowl left tackle.
Miller was immediately inserted as the starting left tackle for the Raiders, and after struggling mightily during his rookie season, he has really become something special. He is as dominant as they come on the left side, becoming an anchor for this franchise at one of the more important positions in all of the NFL.
In a season where we have seen the Raiders have to revamp the offensive line time and time again, Miller has been a constant, and someone that this franchise can lean on. A left tackle can make or break your offense, and in Miller, they found that rare first-round pick that has actually panned out with Gruden calling the shots on draft day.