The 2018 NFL Draft is finally here and all the questions looming prior to the draft will finally be answered. While most of the intrigue revolved around which quarterbacks would be taken where, it was also going to be interesting what the Oakland Raiders did with their first round selection with head coach Jon Gruden now on board.
Most analysts pegged the Raiders to select a defensive player given all the issues the team has on that side of the field. However, it appears Gruden and the front office have other plans as the Raiders decided to select offensive tackle Kolton Miller out of UCLA:
Your newest Raider.⁰⁰
With the 15th pick in the 2018 #NFLDraft, we have selected T Kolton Miller from @UCLAFootball. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/q1sfOqWrNn
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) April 27, 2018
This is an interesting choice given that defensive players like Derwin James and Josh Jackson were still available. However, the Raiders do have a weakness at the right tackle spot and Miller figures to compete to start from Day 1.
The former Bruin is a versatile offensive lineman who could also one day replace Donald Penn given the latter’s age and recent foot injury that forced him to miss the end of the 2017 NFL season. Miller’s skill, work ethic and cheap rookie contract ensure Oakland both short and long-term answers along their line.
The silver and black still have several questions to answer regarding the rest of the roster and will need to hit several home runs if they want to return to the top of the NFL. As the 2018 NFL Draft continues, it remains to be seen how the rest of the team will fill out.
