Kolton Miller is the definition of a reliable presence, but this recent two-round mock draft indicates how the Las Vegas Raiders might strategize for the future at left tackle.
Miller has been a starter for the Raiders since 2018. Even without the Pro Bowls or All-Pro recognition, Miller is one of the few stalwarts on this team who has outlasted numerous regime changes. Now on the other side of 30, it is essential to consider the future. His 2025 campaign was significantly impacted by an ankle injury, and since 2022, he has also faced ongoing shoulder issues.
Luckily for general manager John Spytek, Day 2 of the NFL draft will provide him a chance to begin replacing Miller. In fact, the early part of the second round is where he can find the one to take up Miller’s mantle in the future.
Raiders 2-Round Mock Draft: Laying the foundation for the future…
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is not the flashy pick, and that is exactly why the Raiders would have to be sure about him.
He wins with accuracy, timing and calm decision-making, not backyard football. He can keep an offense on schedule and make life easier on the play-caller. But he is not the kind of quarterback who can consistently escape pressure and create something out of nothing. That is the risk.
If the Raiders choose to draft Mendoza, they are not merely investing in him as a player. They are also wagering that they can adequately protect him. Should they succeed in that regard, his toughness, poise, and steady growth could provide him with a genuine opportunity to become the reliable starting quarterback this franchise has long sought.
Round 2, No. 36: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
If the Raiders want to start thinking about life after Miller, Caleb Lomu feels like a sensible long-term option, not a plug-and-play fix.
Lomu has the size, movement skills and pass-blocking foundation teams look for at left tackle. He looks comfortable in protection, stays calm against pressure, and has the athleticism to move well in space. Those are real building blocks.
His run blocking needs more strength and more edge, and he does not look like a player who should be thrown into a full-time starting role right away. That is why the idea only works if the Raiders are willing to be patient.
The positive aspect is that they can afford to be patient. With Miller still on the roster, Lomu has the opportunity to learn, gain strength, and address the weaker aspects of his game without the pressure of immediate playing time. Therefore, this situation is not about replacing Miller in the near future; rather, it focuses on preparing for what lies ahead.
If the Raiders want a young tackle they can develop the right way, Lomu makes sense. The traits are there. The question is whether Las Vegas has the patience and coaching to turn those traits into a real successor.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images