Kolton Miller finds his niche as the ‘old guy’ in the Las Vegas Raiders lineup

HENDERSON — Kolton Miller was more animated than usual, gesticulating exaggeratedly as he spoke as he described the blank start of las vegas raiders with a new set of coaches and his status as a four-year veteran of the NFL.

The youngsters on the offensive line, said the left tackle of the raiders As he rotated his hands toward himself, they try to absorb as much information as they can in the early stages of organized team activities.

“Our work like the old guys,” he said. Miller with a crooked smile as he pointed to his chest, “we tried to show them what it’s like.”

Wait… “old guys”?

Miller He’s 26 years old, but he’s been there long enough to meet three general managers —Reggie McKenzie, Mike Mayock Y Dave Ziegler— three head coaches —Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia Y —and two host cities for the raiders —Oakland Y Las Vegas–.

“Man, four years have passed like this,” he explained. Millersnapping the fingers of the right hand.

“It happens quickly. I’m still trying to compete and learn and stick with something every day. There’s always something you have to work on. And I think that applies to everyone. We’re still young, and we’re going to try to improve in as many areas as we can.” Everything is new: new coach, new system. Trying to learn the basics and execute as well as possible.”

The 15th overall recruit of the 2018 NFL Draft from UCLA, Miller was the first recruit Gruden in his second attempt as head coach of the raidersand often referred to Miller as a base piece for the franchise.

But, after struggling as a rookie — when injuries played a role — Miller He has found his rhythm.

Last season, his 85.0 overall rating according to Pro Football Focus was the highest ever for a tackle from the raiders since 2016, and his 85.1 pass blocking rating was the highest for a tackle by the raiders since 2015.

oh and Millerwho played every offensive snap last season, was also named to the All-Star All-Star Team. AFC by the Pro Football Writers of America. As such, his presence has been beneficial to McDanielswhile building your team.

“Yes, he is one of our best workers, there is no doubt about it,” he said. McDaniels. “And, you can see why she’s gotten better every year she’s been in the National Football League. He invests a lot of time and effort in the complex. He works very hard in the gym. He is in great condition. He studies a lot.

“In order to be really good in this league, there are a lot of things you have to do well. And Kolton he puts in a lot of effort every day in the things that are his responsibility.

Miller6-foot-8, 325 pounds, was the lone certainty on an offensive line plagued with question marks in 2021. The quarterback Derek Carr he was sacked 40 times last season, the second-most in his eight-year career. Las Vegas responded by recruiting a couple of offensive linemen in Dylan Parhamwho has been working as a guard, in the third round, and Thayer Munfordon the seventh lap.

This, then and investing a first-round pick last year in Alex Leatherwoodwho started the season at right tackle before being moved to right guard in Week 5.

leatherwood he was getting reps at right tackle during the team’s open-to-the-media practice last week.

“He looks like he’s slimmed down and he looks good in the gym,” she said. Miller of leatherwood. “He steps out there, and his feet look good. I’m excited. I’m excited for him.”

In fact, Miller took the perspective of the glass half full with leatherwood being moved indoors last season.

“It’s hard work trying to learn how to tackle and then move on to guard,” he said. Miller. “It talks about how dynamic it can be.”

And what about this year’s first recruit, Parham? Miller he said he is “young, smart and absorbing”.

Sounds familiar. Though Miller he’s, well, an old guy, remember? Okay …

“He has things that we’ve already identified that he can improve on and he’s working hard to do that, and we’ll continue to work on that as we get into training camp,” he said. McDaniels of Miller. “But, he just has a great attitude, a great mindset every day.

“Kolton He is a great leader for us. He pulls others in with him, which is great, and it affects his teammates in a positive way.”

Millerless animated now and using offensive line terms, smiled when asked how his job description changed, from passing from Tom Cable a Carmen Bricillo to position coach.

“You’re still blocked, in the end,” he stressed Millerwith a smile, “most of the time.

“I still feel good. I still feel good. Fresh.”

Even for a, um, old guy.