Raiders Took Heat For Their First-Round Pick in 2018, But A Lot Has Changed in Two Years

The Raiders took heavy criticism for drafting offensive tackle Kolton Miller in the first round in 2018. But two years later, the decision to draft Miller isn’t looking so bad.

Miller has improved in each of his first two NFL seasons and was impressive again on Sunday in Carolina – particularly in pass protection. He gave up no sacks and only one quarterback pressure to the Panthers in 32 pass-blocking opportunities.

Miller doesn’t get a lot of recognition around the league and that was evident heading into the Carolina game. There were some who thought Panthers defensive end Brain Burns might be in for a big day against Miller and the Raiders, but Burns only managed one quarterback pressure in the game and Carolina didn’t record a single sack.

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Brian Burns has the potential to dominate for the #Panthers in 2020 and it could start today against #Raiders LT Kolton Miller. #KeepPounding https://t.co/TJly9FskGW

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Ironically, the player that many wanted the Raiders to take in 2018, Derwin James, has battled significant injuries (including a season-ending injury this year) and by January will have missed 27 of 32 games for the Chargers over the last two years.

Considering what the Raiders are going through with Trent Brown, it couldn’t be a better time for Miller to establish himself at left tackle. Nevertheless, imagine how good the Raiders offensive line will be if Brown can get back on the field.

And on a side note…

Hey, Geoff. Want to revisit this 2018 tweet?

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Haven’t gotten many Raiders fans trying to tell me I was wrong about Kolton Miller lately. Same issues he had in college are showing up now. https://t.co/SmVWfar28n

twitter: @raidersbeat

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6 thoughts on “Raiders Took Heat For Their First-Round Pick in 2018, But A Lot Has Changed in Two Years

  1. The Raiders need to Draft a RT in the first round or second round of next year draft, and cut Brown next year. We will have 0$ for the cap but a salary of 14 millon, For a guy that can’t even keep his wait, that is too much.

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