NFL Draft Profile: UCLA Football OT Kolton Miller

Up next for Go Joe Bruin’s NFL Draft profiles is an offensive lineman who’s played both left and right tackle for the Bruins including spending the 2017 as Josh Rosen‘s blindside protector.

A guy who certainly passes the eye test, Kolton Miller is a mountain of a man with surprising athleticism. He’s a three year starter but wasn’t able to finish the 2015 or 2016 UCLA Football seasons due to injury with this season being his first full season.

He improved his technique with a new offensive line coach in Hank Fraley but him declaring early was a bit of a surprise given how few games he has on tape. Returning for his senior year wouldn’t have guaranteed a better draft slot but it would have allowed him to put more film out there for NFL scouts.

Related Story: NFL Draft Profile: UCLA Football WR Jordan Lasley

Kolton Miller/OT/6’8/310lbs

Positives

Miller is the guy you want first off the bus. He’s every bit of that six-foot-frame and there’s no reason to think he can’t add another 10-15 pounds to his frame without sacrificing his foot quickness. Has a smooth kickslide to mirror defensive ends with ease. His athleticism will be highly prized in the NFL and he could even be used an eligible pass catcher in jumbo packages. Long arms allow him to strike defenders before they can hope to get into his frame. Uses his hands well and has a strong initial punch. As a run blocker he keeps his pads low and drives opposing defensive linemen with ease. Has played both left and right tackle.

Negatives

Might be a right tackle only in the NFL given his lack of elite foot speed. Can struggle with speedy rushers who attack him with inside moves. Will overset if threatened with speed. Needs to consistently stick with his man in pass protection and not stop his feet on initial contact. Often will have his hands knocked down by pass rushers. Durability is a concern and will have extensive medical checks. Inexperienced.

Projection

Miller was among one of the most consistent performers along the UCLA Football offensive line in 2017 and will likely parlay that season into a nice NFL paycheck. Still, there are holes in his game that could cause major concern for teams, particularly his medicals and the fact that Rosen was concussed on two plays where Miller lost his rep. Here’s the first, and here is the second. While those plays will be under a microscope, it’s important to remember he shouldn’t be killed for them. Given his physical tools and what’s on film, coupled with the fact that the OT class in this draft isn’t exceptional, we might see Miller taken as early as the middle of the second round.

Next: UCLA Football: Bruins land 2018 4-star OL Chris Murray

As far as an NFL comparison, Miller reminds me a great deal of a guy like Nate Solder for the New England Patriots. Both are massive offensive tackles who are strong pass protectors and run blockers. Of course Miller still needs to clean up some things technique wise but has the potential to be a starting offensive lineman in the NFL for the next eight to ten years. In my opinion he’s a better prospect than former UCLA Football Bruin, Connor McDermott who interestingly enough was drafted by New England last year in the sixth round. He now is an active member of the Buffalo Bills roster after being claimed off waivers.