It was very clear that the Las Vegas Raiders' offensive line in 2024 wasn't as good as it should have been, especially on the left side. Kolton Miller, a Pro Bowl-level tackle every single year, did not play to his or the Raiders' standards.
And, I think he would be the first one to tell you that. But it wasn't entirely his fault. Miller, like a ton of players last year, went without having a full offseason and training camp, and also played very injured throughout the season.
He had his moments in 2024, moments where you were ready to pull your hair out because he would make a bad play that you just don't see from him and other moments where he just pancakes a defender. That was the experience summed up into one sentence. And, like we said, it all started in the offseason.
So far, he is off to a much better start than he was this time last year when he found himself recovering from an injury.
"Oh, I feel great. Like last year, I think I had maybe two or three training camps heading into the season. So, I like where I'm at right now. Yeah, I've got a lot more ramp-up. I'm liking it," Miller told reporters earlier this week at mandatory minicamp.
Miller was top five in the season in blown blocks with 40, per Sports Info Solutions, which is about as uncharacteristic as it gets. And, he is the glue of the offensive line, the veteran, and the guy who is frankly supposed to be the best. So, they need him to play like we are used to seeing, which means he needs a good offseason, and he needs to stay healthy.
And, so far, it feels like that's what's happening. Now, we still have training camp to go, but Miller is off to a great start.
