Raiders notebook: Kolton Miller establishing himself as one of the league’s top tackles
Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller is becoming quite the force.
Through two weeks in 2020, Miller has a pass blocking grade of 80.1, with two pressures in 143 snaps. That grade ranks as the ninth-best grade among offensive tackles in the NFL via Pro Football Focus.
The 15th overall pick of the 2018 draft entered this season with a career 59.5 pass blocking grade.
Miller said he did a lot in the offseason to get himself ready with proper techniques.
“Stronger across the board and keep my feet straight, good feet and worked on depth, hips just staying low because I’m a tall guy,” the 6-foot-8, 325-pound Miller said. “I got to practice staying low both run and pass. Those are the things I just worked on and built off.”
Raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable is seeing the benefits from Miller since the second half of the 2019 season.
“His growth has just escalated because of experience,” he said. “But statistically or whatever that is, he played great last year. People just don’t recognize it until they really drill it down and see what he did. He’s just picked up where he left off last year.
“I think the experience factor has taken hold of this thing. Nothing is too big for him. Last week alone, I think he blocked five different rushers at the left tackle spot and didn’t have any real issues. The confidence piece with experience is happening.”
Miller has progressed all while bouncing back from injury.
In 2018 against the Cleveland Brown, Miller suffered an MCL sprain early in the season. He played through it — thanks to a little pep talk from quarterback Derek Carr.
“I remember Derek saying ‘Get up! We’re playing the Cleveland Browns,’ ” Miller said. “I just popped up right before the half and got taped up and did as much as I could from there.
“It was definitely a building experience, and I’ve taken it with me since now and I feel really good.”
Injury update: Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs misses practice
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (knee) and running back Josh Jacobs (hip) missed Thursday’s practice because of injuries.
Both helped the Raiders to a 34-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Their injuries shouldn’t be any of a concern since it’s a short week. The Raiders coaching staff are probably playing it safe as both didn’t have to leave the game.
The Raiders will visit the New England Patriots at 10 a.m. PST on Sunday.
Also missing practice were guard Denzelle Good (illness), tackle Trent Brown (groin) and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral.).
Wide receivers Henry Ruggs III (knee/hamstring) and Bryan Edwards (foot) were limited.
Practicing in full were safety Johnathan Abram (shoulder), cornerback Damon Arnette (wrist/thumb), linebacker Cory Littleton (shoulder), wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (ankle), defensive end Carl Nassib (illness) and guard John Simpson (shoulder).
This story was originally published September 24, 2020 at 6:27 PM.
