Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller is the cornerstone of an improved Silver and Black offensive line.
Coach Josh McDaniels helped the Raiders make strides on the offensive line, as going into 2022, they were not expected to be a very good unit, but by season’s end, were ranked by Pro Football Focus as a top ten unit in the NFL.
The Raiders have a core five offensive linemen who will play a majority of snaps, but are expected to mix in different players throughout the season.
One of those players is veteran offensive lineman Greg Van Roten, who the Raiders signed in May. Miller spoke on Thursday at training camp about what Van Roten brings to the Raiders’ offensive line.
“He didn’t miss a step,” Miller said. “Coming in it takes a second, but he’s used to working with guys. You’re able to – if you gel well with guys, you’re going to naturally be able to contribute immediately. So yeah, he’s been working, great vet. But across the board everyone is competing. There’s not a guy that’s just like too good for – everyone is doing the work. We all come in with the same mentality to improve every day, so it’s been great.”
Van Roten, 33, has spent eight years in the NFL, also spending a few seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts. Van Roten has bounced around several teams, including the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, and the Buffalo Bills.
Van Roten was a major contributor for both the Panthers and Jets, playing at least 700 snaps in four straight seasons. He played a rotational role with the Bills last season, only playing 354 snaps according to PFF.
Van Roten played mostly on the interior for the Bills last season, playing both left and right guard, and also center. He was a more efficient pass blocker than run blocker.
The Raiders added veteran offensive line depth in the offseason in Van Roten, and after a few days of training camp, is already catching the eye of their best offensive lineman in Miller.
The Silver and Black open the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT.
Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
More must-reads: