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MIAMI – Kolton Miller played every stroke of the Raiders offensively in two games, compiling statistics suggesting that the season of the rookie's left attack is off.
The No. 15 overall this year allowed only three quarters to hurry – he was one of seven tackles left to not leave bags, no hits this season – in 83 blocking passes against the Rams and Broncos. The Raiders did not perform well on the left, with 13 yards in four attempts too small. The runners average 4.0 yards per race between Miller and left guard Kelechi Osemele.
The numbers will tell part of this story. Tom Cable sees the whole matrix.
The Raiders offensive line coach believes that Miller can be an excellent left tackle, but he understands perfectly well that his star student still has a long way to go.
"If you look at the whole spectrum, I would say he's doing C-plus work right now and is still climbing," Cable told NBC Sports Bay Area Thursday. "This is where you want it. You do not want him to fail, and at the same time, I do not think there will be recruits who will do better than him. It's a good thing, but he has a long way to go to become a complete player.
"It's just a part of being young, more than anything. He is on the right track. He invested in this process. I like his preparation and how he prepares for each test. He insists, which is really important.
Cable has been hiring new mechanics on the 6 foot 8 inch and 309 lb UCLA product, helping a top athlete become a technician on time. He has Miller more vertical in his blocking passes to help him control clashes with defensive linemen and use his size appropriately. We must focus on cleaning his race.
And, in an effort that will take some time, Mr. Cable thinks Miller can gain strength and lean muscle by working with the Raiders' staff.
"[Cable] worked to adjust things here and there to help refine my technique and make me a better player, "said Miller. "It was great to work with him.
Miller has the size and athleticism to be a productive player. Cable believes that two other attributes are critical to her professional success: coaching ability and commitment.
"He is the strong and quiet guy in terms of personality and is hungry to be the best version of himself," Cable said. "He's looking for that. He checks all the boxes for us. He wants to learn and correct mistakes, and the cool thing is that he will then go out into the field and work hard on it.
Cable and the Raiders plunged deep into Miller's background and felt confident in making a first-round pick.
"If you're going to take a guy at the beginning of the deals like this, you have to understand his level of humility," Cable said. "Sometimes, guys get picked early and get paid a little, they think they're successful. You want to discover that it can stay stable, do not put too many whistles and bells and put everything in value. Its important to me. It's always important because once the "sickness of me" hits people, they're screwed up. Then they become less a teammate.
"We learned about him, that he is humble and friendly and cares about his job. It is a major asset that allows it to grow and develop.
The biggest fear in starting a rookie left, especially after Donald Penn, who was chosen twice at the Pro Bowl, bowed right to give way to Miller, is the big mistake that makes quarterback Derek Carr is in trouble. We did not see anything like it on the edge of Miller.
Miller has behaved well against the Rams 'and Broncos' defensive fronts, and has gained confidence through these efforts. He thinks he can already compete with anyone, knowing full well that there is room for improvement. He perfected his technique, not his emotions or his conversations in the trash or against which he aligns himself. Miller is just as good as they come.
"The goal is to be consistently good from week to week," Miller said. "This is how players become good and settle in this league."
Cable believes that maintaining this course could lead to good things.
"Potential is a dangerous word. That said, he's potentially one of the really special young players in the game, "Cable said. "It will be up to us all to keep it on the path of growth and development. If he ever makes money from the outside, it will destroy him. Knowing him, I think he wants to know how he can be good. As long as he keeps this state of mind, he can be awesome.
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