New England Patriots receive high grades in 2018 NFL Draft first round
Oakland Raiders No. 15: UCLA OT, Kolton Miller
The Raiders land at the 15th spot courtesy of a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals moved up to No. 10 to draft UCLA quarterback, Josh Rosen. Arizona fleeced Oakland, trading only their third and fifth round picks in 2018, No. 79 and No. 152, to move up five spots.
That was an important move up for Arizona, as the Dolphins were in the market for a QB at No. 11 and they reported two other teams were in the market to trade up. With other teams looking to make deals, the package the Raiders accepted will knock this grade down.
With the 15th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected Rosen’s teammate, UCLA offensive tackle, Kolton Miller. This is a selection that will make some Raiders players to scratch their head.
Miller fills a need, but he was a reach at No. 15. Given the dearth of offensive linemen in this year’s draft class, the Raiders seemed to panic and make a selection based on need more than best player available. Oakland has put a lot of resources into their offensive line in recent seasons, but there are some holes to fill.
Right tackle is a hole, and left tackle Donald Penn is coming off an injury and getting up there in age. Miller has experience playing both sides but possesses a lot of upside. However, this is a pick that will probably upset some fans.
Linebacker, cornerback and safety were three of the biggest needs in Oakland. The four players to follow Miller getting selected were an outside linebacker, safety, cornerback and inside linebacker.
Jon Gruden isn’t off to the greatest start in his second go-round in Oakland.