Going into the Raiders preseason opener, there were a pair of 22 year-olds on Jon Gruden’s roster with a little more on the line than most against the Lions.
One was Marquel Lee, who the Raiders doubled down on in the offseason by not re-signing NaVorro Bowman. The other was this year’s first-round pick, Kolton Miller.
Lee was spectacular on Friday night, posting the highest Pro Football Focus grade (91.2) of anyone on the team. As for Miller, most will remember the hold that negated Marshawn Lynch’s 60-yard run, but otherwise Miller actually had a solid start to his NFL career.
Former offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, who has been critical of the Miller pick, noted that Miller seems to have already eliminated one of the bad habits he had developed in pass protection at UCLA.
Very encouraged by the @raiders Kolton Miller last night. Didn't notice much of his false step he showed in college. Seemed deliberate in making sure he took a good pass set.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 11, 2018
According to Pro Football Focus, Miller was responsible for one quarterback pressure on seven pass-block attempts – a small sample size, but still encouraging considering all the negative noise that has surrounded Miller since he was drafted.
And it’s worth noting that Miller did have at least one highlight in pass protection against the Lions.
.@Raiders @kolton_miller shows great reaction on this protection. He gets a ++ from me for being a “football player” and taking a free hit of the QB. #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/1AKUHaNVKk
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 11, 2018
Moving forward, Miller’s production will be key in what the Raiders decide to do with Donald Penn, who the team has reportedly approached about taking a pay cut. Penn, of course, has strength and experience in his favor, but who knows how well the 35 year-old can still move, especially considering he still hasn’t returned from surgery on his foot in December.
For now, at least, the Raiders can be happy they still have another few weeks to sort out the matter.
twitter: @raidersbeat
Very encouraged by the new additions this season. Seems every draft pick and undrafted addition, is doing very well.
I think PJ Hall is going to surprise a lot of people. Dudes a stud.
Get Mack back, and we’re all set.
Let’s go 2018!!!
I think the Raiders are waiting to see which players they can part with..giving him his 22 would leave us at 21mil next year with only 2 CB, 1DE, 2rb(warren,washington), and no pass catching TE and only 5 DT
I think the Raiders are waiting to see which players they can part with..giving him his 22 would leave us at 21mil next year with only 2 CB, 1DE, 2rb(warren,washington), and no pass catching TE and only 5 DT
I think that this kid can replace Penn tomorrow. He’s gt mad skills and we have two beast tight ends to help him out. Lisfranc ain’t no joke! it’s the middle of your foot and that big boy has got to be a dance on it… at age 35. Penn, IMHO doesn’t want it for the right reasons, hopefully this time away will humble him and he will take the cut. To me he seems to like the glory and the fame more than the game and maybe after all his time in he has that right…?
K. Miller needs game time experience to get better.
Just keep feeding him game time situation. Hopefully he will be in there for almost two quarters in preseason game #2.
K Miller had a B- start to his NFL career. Take away the 60+ yard TD hold and he gets a A- game. Will see how thinhs go against Rams next week. Miller gives a 💪 game against 1st squad Rams. Cut Penn rack in money pay Mack end of story