Ballers: RT Trent Brown, LT Kolton Miller

I got to hand it to Kolton Miller. A rocky rookie season brought a lot of questions about whether he was the answer at left tackle for the Raiders. He seems to have answered those questions in the affirmative. I must give special recognition to his run blocking. His ability to get downfield and block on screens and pitch outs was impressive. And for most of the season, he was solid in pass protection. He was named a “Baller” four times and was even named a Top Baller once.

Brown was a great addition, but we knew he would be. He was a Baller four times early in the season before he got banged up late in the season and ultimately was lost to a torn pectoral muscle. The drop off at the position was instant and significantly noticeable.

Baller: WR Hunter Renfrow

Speaking of noticeable absences. Renfrow was named a “Baller” in Week 8 for the first time and three times in four weeks before being lost to a broken rib. He was out weeks 12-15 and the Raiders lost all four of those games. When he returned, he went for over 100 yards and the Raiders won. It was his first 100-yard game ever at any level. Then he did it again in the season finale. Over his final six appearances, Renfrow was a “Baller” five different times.

Honorable Mention

LG Richie Incognito – Stepped in off the street and held down the left guard spot. Was rewarded with a two-year extension to solidify the Raiders offensive line.

DE Benson Mayowa – We didn’t see much from him down the stretch with the emergence of Maxx Crosby. But he jumped out early to lead the Raiders with 7.0 sacks at midseason.

LB Will Compton – Was signed off the street and jumped into the middle linebacker spot for the Raiders. In four starts over the final four games, he was a Baller twice.

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