Miller embracing leadership role, impressed by young OL

The left tackle spoke highly of Jackson Powers-Johnson, DJ Glaze, Caleb Rogers, Charles Grant

Heading into the 2025 season, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to have a young offensive line. Three out of five projected starters are still on their rookie contracts. Plus, if Dylan Parham and Jordan Meredith beat out Alex Cappa for the two guard spots during training camp, 80 percent of the first-string unit will have less than four years of experience.

But the one mainstay in the trenches whose job isn’t in jeopardy this fall is left tackle Kolton Miller. The 2018 first-round pick is about to enter his eighth year in the NFL, making him one of the most experienced players on the roster.

Only three players on the roster—quarterback Geno Smith (13 years), running back Raheem Mostert (11 years) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (10 years)—have spent more time in the league than Miller. Also, he and kicker Daniel Carlson are the longest tenured Raiders on the roster.

Naturally, that pushes the veteran offensive lineman into a leadership role on the team, especially within his position group. So far, he’s been embracing that responsibility while grooming second-year center Jackson Powers-Johnson to eventually take over as the captain of the line.

“I’ve had a lot of great mentorships in that,” Powers-Johnson replied when asked about becoming a leader on the team. “I’ve been with Maxx [Crosby] all offseason and seeing how he handles things and trying to manage that as much as possible. I also got vets in the room with Alex Cappa and Kolton Miller, so seeing how they lead, seeing how they go and just trying to replicate that.”

Naturally, Miller was asked about the young center’s comments and what he’s seen from the second-year pro since the team returned to the Intermountain Health Performance Center at the beginning of April.

“So when you look at rookies, especially after the first year, you want to see what they do in the offseason. What path are they taking? Are you going to get better? Or are you going to try to take some time off?” the left tackle explained.

“No, Jackson, what he did, he put in the work this offseason. He’s dropped some weight, he’s looking really good. He’s been working with Maxx Crosby, and that’s the right way to do things. I think he’s a prime example of how to do it, and I’m looking forward to the jump he makes this year.”

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

As the unit’s leader, the 29-year-old who turns 30 in October, also shared some thoughts on how the rookies within his position group have looked so far during the early practices in Las Vegas.

“I think this rookie class all around; they come in with a sense of maturity. They’re listening, they’re looking ways to improve every day,” Miller said of the 2025 draft class, including third-round picks Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant. “Charles and Caleb, they’re great examples. They’re taking a step each day, and you can see the focus and the work after practice. They’re doing it the right way.”

The left tackle shared similar thoughts on second-year pro and returning starting right tackle DJ Glaze.

“DJ, when he stepped in here, first day of training camp I noticed the maturity he brought,” Miller explained. “Going into one-on-ones, and taking what he learned from OTAs to training camp, and he’s done the same thing – the whole O-line has been here this offseason. It’s been awesome. He’s going to continue to improve, and I’m excited to see where he ends up.”

While rookie running back Ashton Jeanty won’t be in the trenches, he and Miller will have a co-dependent relationship moving forward. The running back can’t have much success without the offensive line creating holes, and the line looks bad if the offense isn’t moving the ball on the ground.

So, the tackle’s initial impressions of the No. 6 overall pick carry significant weight, making the comments below more encouraging.

“He’s such a strong and dynamic back,” Miller said of Jeanty. “I mean, the way his cuts are so smooth, even if he gets hit, he’s still balanced, and that’s super unique. He can’t show his full ability right now, but off the field, he’s very mature. He’s a family guy, he brings great energy, and it shows. A lot of maturity for his age. I’m so excited to block for him.”

With some downtime between now and his eighth training camp, the next big item on Miller’s to-do list this summer is to iron out a contract extension with the organization. He’s entering the final year of a three-year, $54 million deal, which served as his second contract with the club.

Miller didn’t share any details about how the current negotiations are going, but was asked if he wants to be part of what new head coach Pete Carroll and Co. are building and replied: “I want to be a Raider for life.”