The 2018 draft was the first one with Jon Gruden back in the Silver and Black. And unfortunately, he probably wishes that he could re-do that entire weekend
Heading into the 2021 season, only two players from the draft class are on the roster for the Raiders and one of those players (Brandon Parker), isn’t assured a roster spot, at all. However, the selection of Kolton Miller at pick No. 15 has saved the class from being an all-time bad draft.
In a recent article by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, he recapped the 2018 draft and ranked them 1-32. Not surprisingly, the Raiders came in near the middle of the pack at No. 19. Here is what Brugler had to say about the selection of Kolton Miller:
“After missing out on Mike McGlinchey, the Raiders traded back six spots and drafted Miller, a selection that was widely panned as a reach. But to his credit, the raw prospect has steadily improved since entering the league and played like a top-15 tackle in the NFL. Miller has started 46 games at left tackle over the last three seasons, and the Raiders recently made him one of the highest-paid tackles in the league with a three-year extension with $42.5 million worth of guarantees.”
As Brugler mentioned, Miller received a contract extension from the Raiders this offseason. The last first-round pick to receive a contract extension from the team was Darren McFadden, who the Raiders selected in the 2008 draft.
Miller still needs to improve as a run blocker, but he is one of the best left tackles in the league. Without him, the 2018 draft would be a complete bust for the Raiders. This is just one of many examples where Miller has helped keep the franchise upright.
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