Oakland Raiders draft rumors: Growing interest in Kolton Miller?
In the latest Oakland Raiders draft rumor, the team may have interest in UCLA offensive tackle Kolton Miller. Is he a solid trade-down target?
As the 2018 NFL draft clock winds down to the three-day extravaganza, we’re going to hear all sorts of rumors. Who’s moving up for a quarterback, which teams have an interest in trading down? Where are the likeliest spots for certain prospects?
CBS Sports league insider Jason La Canfora dropped a nugget about the Oakland Raiders in a recent report.
"If the Raiders do in fact trade down from the 10th overall pick — with someone like New England or Arizona or whoever coming up for a quarterback — look out for UCLA tackle Kolton Miller to be a top target for them."
First, let’s unpack the verbiage. La Canfora didn’t say Miller would list as the top prospect in a trade-down scenario. He’s a top target, which means other players at the position would probably garner some consideration at a spot below No. 10.
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At 6’9″, 310 pounds, Miller possesses the size coupled with the athleticism to attract teams late in the first round or early Day 2. He finished top three in the 40-yard dash (4.95), three-cone drill (7.34) and 20-yard shuttle (4.49) at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The standout junior played more games at left tackle (13) than on the right (10). The UCLA prospect suffered a foot injury, which disrupted his sophomore campaign.
On the bright side, he could compete to become the heir to Donald Penn’s spot on quarterback Derek Carr’s blindside. Miller may also step into the offseason competition to replace Marshall Newhouse on the right.
Assuming Oakland targets an offensive tackle, Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey should list atop the Raiders draft board if he’s available at No. 15 after a swap with the Arizona Cardinals. In a trade scenario with the New England Patriots at No. 23, another team may have already claimed the former Fighting Irish perimeter protector.
Compared to Miller, McGlinchey has a larger collegiate profile sample size. He’s been a starter for three healthy seasons and logged most of his snaps on the right side. Overall, it’s a selection more equipped to fill Newhouse’s spot right away due to experience and evidence on film, blocking for Notre Dame’s No. 7 rushing offense among Division I programs in 2017.
When digging into Miller’s film, he hasn’t shown significantly more than other early-round prospects such as Connor Williams, Tyrell Crosby or Brian O’Neil. Teams will have their favorites, but the Raiders must shy away from rookies who are heavier on potential rather an impressive collegiate tape in the first round.
The UCLA product could very well develop into a starting right tackle who holds the position for nearly a decade. However, his floor isn’t much higher than a prospect projected to go in the second round.
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In a trade scenario with the Patriots at No. 23, Oakland should strongly consider adding an asset on defense. Alabama inside linebacker Rashaan Evans may be available. If defensive tackle Maurice Hurst slips due to his heart condition, he’s also a better choice than Miller.
This isn’t to say the UCLA prospect wouldn’t fit in Oakland, but he’d carry more value as the team’s No. 41 overall pick as opposed to No. 23.