It turns out that Las Vegas Raiders rookie Jack Bech is quite the film connoisseur. Also, what’s going on with Kolton Miller’s future?
Let’s get you caught up with some Raiders news and musings that you might’ve missed recently. First up, we have Bech. The former TCU standout is already making waves during offseason activities for the Raiders. What exactly his role will be has many within Raider Nation salivating at his potential. Let’s face it, after Jakobi Meyers, the roles of WR2, 3, and beyond are open for competition.
Jack Bech is studying greatness, how else are you supposed to do it?
Much like Meyers, Bech is also coming off a 1,000-yard campaign, albeit in college. Still, Bech exploded in his final season at TCU as he averaged nearly 17 yards per reception (16.7). He also fell short of just one touchdown before breaking into double digits (9). If that doesn’t impress you, the Raiders drafted a consummate player who excelled in nearly receiving category that mattered. He was ranked top ten across the board in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and yards per catch. However, stats aside, what about his route running? Well, he recently addressed that, citing how exactly he goes about using film.
“I definitely like breaking down the guys like Puka, just how he uses his body to get open. He doesn’t dance around a whole lot, he attacks the leverage of the body, maybe give him a one-two or something like that. But he uses big, physical presence, his physical ability to get open.”
Along with studying some of the elites that the NFL has to offer, Bech was sure to give credit to Raiders wide receivers coach Chris Beatty. Between his film methods and being in the hands of some of the best offensive coaches that the Raiders have assembled in quite a while, Bech’s future is already looking mighty bright.
“Then just different guys who run routes, some of the best route runners in the league, people like Amari Cooper and Justin Jefferson. And Coach Chris Beatty does a great job about that, showing you a bunch of people’s games. So, you can kind of just pick from people and take what you like, kind of just mimic their game a little bit.”
From a promising future to a cloudy one (dramatic much?)…
Should the Raiders extend Kolton Miller for the long run?
For all intents and purposes, Miller has been largely underrated and overlooked by everyone. His peers, the writers, everyone. The man has never even seen a Pro Bowl nod, it’s criminal at this point. Nonetheless, the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately?” business. Miller’s health and overall decline in play has been a source of contention among Raider Nation for quite some time. Many point to his struggles in 2024, particularly in the earlier half of the season.
With all of that said, good offensive tackles don’t grow on trees and Miller has for the most part, been reliable. Also, he’s not “old” by any stretch. Would it really make sense to move on from him? CBS Sports doesn’t think so, they listed him as the Raiders’ top extension candidate.
“Miller is entering the final year of his three-year, $54 million extension he signed with Las Vegas back in 2021. Despite a desire for a new deal, the 29-year-old was present for OTAs, which could be a sign that things are progressing nicely. Given the nature of his position, Miller is likely seeking a big contract, especially after a 2024 season where he was the 14th highest-graded tackle in the NFL.”
Regardless of where you land on the Miller debate, it’ll be interesting to see how general manager John Spytek deals with this one.
*Top Photo: Getty Images