Boston Globe super Patriots reporter, Ben Volin, has floated an interesting idea that could have major implications for the Patriots' draft plans. Pats Nation is well aware of two key points as we await the draft on April 24.
The first is that the Patriots need a left tackle (actually more than one), probably more than any other team in the NFL. Last season's inaction by the personnel group cost them their season before it even commenced. No left tackle(s) means no offense. It's as simple as that.
At this point, a trade or the draft are really the only two options left after the Giants were either unable or unwilling to land a quarterback in free agency. Volin’s idea leans toward the former—a trade. And while there hasn’t been any indication the Raiders are open to it, the player’s situation might make them more willing to listen. Let’s explore it.
Could the Patriots trade for Raiders LT Kolton Miller?
In a social media post, Volin opened up an interesting line of inquiry for Mike Vrabel and the Patriots to secure a solid, NFL-tested left tackle: Las Vegas Raiders’ Kolton Miller. Here’s Ben’s post, citing Jeremy Fowler of ESPN:
The Patriots’ answer at LT? Played for McDaniels for two years https://t.co/Nbs8OQ91IA
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) April 16, 2025
There’s a lot to like about Volin’s suggestion. Miller is a 6-foot-8, 325-pound, eight-year veteran with the Raiders. He not only has better-than-prototypical height and weight for the position, but his 34 1/8-inch arm length and 10 3/4-inch hands are top-shelf. There are no size concerns with Miller. He’s also been incredibly durable, both playing and starting the vast majority of his games in Las Vegas.
Miller may not be a Pro Bowl or All-Pro level left tackle, but for a team starving for a capable, dependable, and talented player to further solidify the offensive line, he fits the bill to a T. He’s also reportedly a no-show at the team’s voluntary offseason program—that’s where an opportunity may present itself for the Patriots.
If New England doesn’t have to invest one of its top two picks on a left tackle, it opens the door to bolster another position early in the draft. If the Pats can swing a trade with the Raiders beforehand, it would offer maximum benefit. Since the issue with Miller seems to be about money, the Patriots may be well-positioned to cash in—so to speak.
Pats Pulpit notes that the Patriots still have around $65 million in cap space. Some would have to be allocated to sign their draft picks, yet a good amount may still be available to bring Miller aboard. One option that could be helpful to both teams is to include a Patriots player or two in the deal. And the Pats have several decent ones who could be included.
While salaries would be a mitigating factor, players like Rhamondre Stevenson, Mike Onwenu, Kyle Dugger, Kendrick Bourne, Jahlani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings, and several recent draftees who’ve done little could be in play. The latter three would be lower-cost options. Adding one or two of them along with a draft pick might be enough to entice the Raiders to part with a potential problem player.
What round the pick(s) would come from is still a question. However, the Patriots are fairly well-armed, holding two third-rounders, a fourth, and two fifth-round picks that could be included in a potential deal. With Tom Brady now in the mix in Las Vegas, that familiarity might also help facilitate talks.
For the Patriots, the draft benefits could be significant. With Miller manning the left tackle spot—something he did under new Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas during 2022 and 2023—they could pivot from needing to draft a left tackle in the first or second round, which had been an absolute necessity barring a trade, and instead defer adding a young tackle until a later round.
They could then draft the best player available—whether that’s Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter—but if they’re off the board, players like Ashton Jeanty or Tyler Warren make sense. All are stars who would immediately upgrade their respective positions. Hunter, Jeanty, or Warren would each provide a massive boost to Drake Maye’s offense.
Alternatively, the Pats could trade down a few spots, still land the ‘best at his position in the draft’ player, and pick up an additional premium pick (Rounds 1–3) or two in the process. If the Patriots can land Kolton Miller in a trade, it could be a huge windfall for the team. It’s definitely worth exploring.