Profile
UCLA
Offensive Tackle
6’9, 310 pounds
Hands: 10 3/4″
Arm Length: 34 1/8″
Projection: Rounds 2-3
Combine Results
(Rank among position in parentheses)
40 Yard Dash: 4.95 (3rd)
10 Yard Split: 1.67 (1st)
3-cone: 7.34 (3rd)
Broad: 121 (1st)
Vertical: 31.5 (4th)
Reps: 24 (N/A)
Strengths
Miller has excellent size for an NFL tackle. His athleticism is great, as shown by his excellent combine. Miller is a very good pass blocker and uses his strong lower body to gain leverage. His passion, effort, hustle, and overall competitive fire helps him win at the point of attack. He is great blocking on screens on the second level. Miller uses his hands with good placement, timing, and power on blocks. He has solid quickness and agility needed to protect a quarterback’s blind side. Miller moves well laterally and knows how to counter more advanced pass rush moves. Set the broad jump record at the NFL combine among offensive linemen.
Weaknesses
Miller must get stronger. Only 24 reps at the combine do not break the top 15 offensive linemen. Miller is a capable run blocker, but overall his tape shows a level of inconsistency in that department. He plays with high pads, throwing off his balance against the run. When he did drop low against the run, the results were excellent. Miller was able to win on the college level with his athleticism but will need to add more strength to contend with NFL pass rushers. Due to his lanky frame and lack of core strength, rushers with good bend and strength will give Miller trouble.
Colts’ Fit
In his most recent presser, Chris Ballard said that protecting Andrew Luck would be a top priority, and Kolton Miller is built to do just that. Miller needs to buff his strength and movement ability to dominate top-level rushers but will be effective as a day one starter against many NFL linemen. Miller will likely have to kick out to the right in the NFL, which is perfect. An outside duo of Anthony Castonzo and Miller is the first step to keeping Andrew Luck upright and healthy. Miller’s excellent combine may entice Ballard to spend a day two pick on him.
Overview
Miller’s inconsistent tape and lack of strength provide plenty of room for concern, but his amazing combine may push him into the early second round, or even the late first. His tape shows flashes of a great NFL tackle, in both pass protection and run blocking. Miller should be able to start at tackle very early in his career, and projects to be a solid NFL starter for many years to come.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_ and @FPC_Colts.
