Kolton Miller
Summary
Kolton Miller was selected in Round 1 (#15 Overall) in the 2018 Draft out of University of California-Los Angeles. At UCLA, where he developed as a big, athletic tackle with upside. Over his NFL career, he has started 111 of 113 games through the start of 2025. Miller is widely regarded as a high-effort, coachable lineman. He has overcome early-career struggles (including injuries) to become a reliable starter. In July 2025, he agreed to a 3‑year, $66 million extension, signaling the Raiders’ continued commitment to him.
Strengths
Elite size and length: At 6'8" and ~326 lb, Miller possesses the physical frame to dominate at the tackle position.
Athletic upside: Coming out of college, he showed very good mobility for his size, projecting as a powerful mover in both pass and run schemes. Last Word On Sports
Strong hands & leverage: He uses his long frame and strong hands to engage defenders, shield them, and sustain blocks. FanSided
Pass protection skill: In 2024, he posted a strong PFF pass-blocking grade (82.2), showing he can handle pass rushers effectively.
Work ethic & coachability: Reports from his pre-draft profile highlight his strong work ethic, and coaches value his willingness to learn. Last Word On Sports
Run-game utility: He can pull, move to the second level, and finish blocks, traits that help in power and zone running schemes. Silver And Black Pride
Durability (recent): After a rough rookie season, he has settled into a stable starter role.
Contract-backed investment: The 2025 extension underscores that the Raiders view him as a long-term piece.
Weaknesses
High pad level / leverage risk: As noted in early scouting: his tall frame sometimes leads to him playing too upright, which can hurt his leverage. Last Word On Sports
Struggles vs speed rushers: He has shown vulnerability to defenders with elite bend or speed, especially early in his career. Silver And Black Pride
Lateral quickness: While athletic, his change-of-direction and lateral movement aren’t as sharp as some elite tackles. Last Word On Sports
Penalty risk: Committed 7 penalties in 2024, which is on the higher side for starting franchise left tackle.
Injury concern: He has had injury history (e.g., high-ankle sprain reported in 2025) that could raise availability issues.
Fit & Outlook
Kolton Miller projects as a foundational left tackle for the Raiders — a cornerstone on the blind side who combines size, length, and increasingly refined technique to protect the quarterback and anchor the offensive line. His athletic profile and pass-protection skill make him especially valuable in pass-heavy schemes, and his ability to pull and sustain blocks gives him utility in the run game as well. Looking ahead, Miller’s outlook is very positive. The Raiders’ investment in his 2025 contract extension shows they believe in his continued development and see him as a long-term piece. If he can stay healthy and continue to improve, he has the upside to be a top-10 left tackle in the league. The main risks are injury and consistency in his run‑blocking, but his character, work ethic, and recent performance give him a high floor and a meaningful ceiling.