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Offensive lineman Kolton Miller moved from right to left tackle in his senior season, after missing most of his junior year with a foot injury. He played two years on the right, and moving to the left meant that it was up to him to protect UCLA’s bread and butter, Josh Rosen. 2017 was a good year for him, bringing him back to the form that earned him four stars coming out of high school, and his performance was also enough to get him second-team All-Pac-12 recognition.
If you’re into numbers, here are a few to prove Miller’s worth: he allowed just two sacks, six hits and eight hurries in 579 pass blocking snaps, and he reduced the number of hurries allowed each year, from 17 two seasons ago to 11 in 2017.
Miller definitely had a coming out party at the combine, surpassing most teams’ expectations coming in. Even though he’s tall, he still had high numbers in all speed and quickness drills. He even set a record for offensive lineman in the broad jump.
10'1"
— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2018
Kolton Miller (@UCLAFootball) just set a broad jump RECORD for OL at the #NFLCombine!
: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Xiw82z5qTL
And Matt Miller, an NFL draft scout for Bleacher Report, had something nice to say about Miller’s appearance:
Kolton Miller looks like a damn tight end. Dude is lean.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 2, 2018
Strengths
Miller gives 110% on every snap, winning his position on lateral blocking and can also position himself to make good reach blocks. He can read defenses to change his position to pick up blitzes and rushes, and never gives up if he’s driven back into the pocket.
Weaknesses
Miller is missing some fluidity in his movements, and his height may actually be an issue when blocking on the edge. He needs to work on finishing his blocks, and can be thrown off balance by his opponents if pushed hard enough.
Comparison
Miller has actually been compared to Jeremy Trueblood by nfl.com. Trueblood was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Projection
NFL.com has Miller going in rounds 2-3, but ESPN Twin Cities has Miller going in the first round, and maybe even to the Vikings (because they apparently haven’t loaded themselves with enough Bruins thus far). Realistically, I think his name will be called on day two. Either way, we’ll see him playing on Sundays next year.
Go Bruins!