New England Patriots: 5 First-round targets in the 2018 NFL Draft

1. Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

There’s nothing important than protecting your franchise quarterback, especially when he’s north of 40. The offensive tackle depth in the first round of this draft is solid, but once the draft goes on, it gets worse. The Patriots are fortunate to have two first-round picks, so they could get a top tackles early and one of the better prospects is Kolton Miller.

Miller protected the blindside of soon-to-be first-round pick Josh Rosen. Miller is unusually tall (6-9), but that shouldn’t bother the Patriots who drafted (and are looking to replace) the 6-8 Nate Solder. In fact, the two tackles have are very similar. Like Solder, Miller ran a sub 5.0-second 40, his arms are slightly shorter and Miller benched 225 pounds 24 times compared to Solder’s 21.

Miller is raw, but the Patriots can turn him into a Day 1 starter at left tackle with the best coaching staff in the business as it pertains to offensive line. With the schedule they have facing fronts like the Jaguars, Vikings, Lions, Bills and Jets (twice), they need someone with Miller’s length and power to help keep Tom Terrific clean.