In this series, we will analyze one Patriots’ draft prospect each week leading up the the 2018 NFL Draft on April 26th. This week, we turn our focus to offensive tackle Kolton Miller.
Player: Kolton Miller (OT), UCLA
Measurables:
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 310
40 Yard Dash: 4.95 seconds
Vertical: 31.5”
Summary:
After the departure of veteran left tackle Nate Solder, Tom Brady is in need of a blindside protector. In all likelihood, this replacement will come in house, with 2016 Second Team All Pro Marcus Cannon shifting from right tackle to left. Regardless, the Patriots now need an infusion of talent at the offensive tackle position.
Kolton Miller could fill Solder’s shoes perfectly, given that his best NFL comparison actually is Nate Solder, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. Miller has a massive frame ripe for development, and he has college experience blocking for Josh Rosen at both tackle positions. Miller is also reported to be an intelligent player capable of handling blitzes and complex blocking schemes.
If Miller can add more mass on his frame, he could develop into an absolute road-grader at the right tackle position. Given his height, he does have some mobility and pad-level issues, which render him ill suited to dealing with speed-to-power type pass rushers right away. The Patriots have the luxury possessing a coach in Dante Scarnecchia that could drastically hasten Miller’s development. If the UCLA product is not ready immediately, then veteran signing Matt Tobin could fill in on the right side until Miller has refined his game and added the mass necessary for maximizing his potential as a blocker in the NFL.
The Patriots could target Miller with one of their second round picks after addressing defensive needs in the first round. Even if Miller isn’t necessarily a plug and play option, his intelligence and outstanding physical traits, coupled with the super coaching of Dante Scarnecchia, make him an enticing option for a Patriots team in need of a long term answer at one of their offensive tackle positions.
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