2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

The New York Giants need on the offensive line is well documented. The team made left tackle Nate Solder the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL, moving Ereck Flowers to the new position of right tackle. However, both players might only be temporary solutions. Solder is 30 years old and has dealt with injuries in the past, while Flowers (who has always had technique issues) will have to learn how to play an entirely new position.

The team could well look to add a developmental option who could eventually be a long-term answer.

UCLA’s Kolton Miller is a big, long tackle as well as one of the best athletes in this year’s offensive line class. He has the raw tools to (potentially) be a starting offensive tackle in the league. Could the Giants have their eye on him?

Measurables

Pros

• Prototypical size and length. Big frame with long arms.
• Great athlete. Tested in at least the 87th percentile in every Combine event except for bench press.
• Easy mover. Feet don’t get stuck in the mud.
• Bends fairly well for a tall tackle.

Cons

• Starts pass protection reps with an odd false step. Taps his feet and starts to the inside before getting in to his kick-slide
• Hands tend to be low and wide. Catches defenders instead of punching.
• Has a tendency to lunge when faced with speed.
• Pad level rises on long reps and he can get pushed around.

Prospect video

(Left tackle, No. 77)

What they’re saying

IN OUR VIEW: Miller has the raw size, strength and movements that give him a chance in the NFL. He showed steady progression this past season as a junior, but pass rushers will eat him up until his mechanics and discipline improve.

-via Dane Brugler (NFLDraftScout.com)

Does he fit the Giants?

Miller is something of a developmental prospect. He has a lot of tools that scouts will love and coaches will want to work with, but he will need a fair amount of work to be an good NFL starter.

Most glaring, his coach will need to fix the fals step and nervous feet he shows in pass protection, as well as get him to be aggressive with his punch. He has long arms, but often seems content to simply catch defenders rather than jolt them. That being said, his feet move well and he shows a promising bend for a tall tackle. Offensive tackles much over 6’6” seem to have a tendency to be waist benders as opposed to knee benders, which leads to lunging and high pad levels.

He looks like a good fit for a zone blocking system, with his easy athleticism fitting in well with a scheme that emphasizes an offensive line’s mobility.

Physically, Miller fits in with Dave Gettleman’s draft history. He is a bit light compared to Gettleman’s other picks, but he has the room on his frame to add weight, and he has athleticism to burn. Given that neither Nate Solder nor Ereck Flowers may be long-term solutions for the Giants’ offensive line, it wouldn’t be unrealistic to see them draft Miller if he falls to the second round.