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NFL Draft: Grading each first round pick after five weeks

By Michael Johnson

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 07: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 07: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Raiders Kolton Miller
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 10: Kolton Miller #77 of the Oakland Raiders blocks Chad Meredith #59 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

15. Oakland Raiders – Kolton Miller

Coming out of UCLA, there were questions about whether or not Kolton Miller could be a franchise left tackle in the NFL. With Donald Penn’s injury woes, however, Miller was thrust into that role earlier than expected. Miller needs to improve in pass protection. Against the Broncos, Browns and Dolphins, Miller faced elite edge rushers. The results weren’t pretty and it was more of the same against the Chargers.

However, according to NFL Spin Zone’s Joel Cade, Miller excels as a run blocker.

"“In the power run game, Miller is very good. When the power is run to his side… This is where Miller shines… getting to the second level… Miller takes excellent angles at linebackers.”"

The Raiders may not have a franchise left tackle in Miller yet, but there is hope. He has the rest of the season to work on getting better as a pass protector. If not, he can move back to right tackle or inside at guard.

Grade: C

16. Buffalo Bills – Tremaine Edmunds

So far, Tremaine Edmunds has proven to be every bit the player many thought he was coming out of Virginia Tech. The Buffalo Bills have a player who flies around to the football. Moreover, he has three QB hits and a tackle for loss with 30 total tackles for the season. Edmunds’ play seems to improve week to week and the Tennessee Titans know first hand.

Against the Titans, Edmunds made an impact when he forced a fumble that got returned for a touchdown. He’s not a coverage linebacker yet and can sometimes take himself out of the play. Still, the 6-5, 250-pound prototype is one half of a dangerous linebacker duo for the Bills and will like make the finalist list for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Grade: B

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