http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/anthony-miller?id=2559909
GRADE
5.68
BLUE STAR = COMBINE TOP PERFORMER
- 5'11"HEIGHT
- 190LBS.WEIGHT
OVERVIEW
A Memphis product, Miller not only excelled at football in high school, but was also a state 110-meter hurdle champion and was a runner-up in the long jump. That athleticism didn't get on the field for the Tigers in 2013 (redshirted, winning the team's award for top scout player on offense) or 2014 (pre-season injury). Miller played in 12 games, starting four, when given the chance in 2015. He caught 47 passes for 694 yards and five touchdowns. Once Riley Ferguson came to campus, Miller was able to use his deep speed, strong hands, and physicality to their full potential. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference pick in his junior year, making 95 receptions for 1,434 yards and 14 touchdowns.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Rapid-fire stutter steps and head fakes defeat outside and inside leverage. Effective setting up route-stems. Accelerates out of cuts creating throwing window. Scratches and claws over top of press and has early quickness to stack them. Can work inside or outside and has been effective on all three levels. Former walk-on with elevated level of competitiveness. Field fast throughout the route. Top notch ball tracker whose focus sharpens down the field. Body adjustments to haul in challenging catches is excellent. Works with scrambling quarterbacks. Slick with his feet near the sideline. Creates yardage after the catch.
WEAKNESSES
Short stepper. Pops straight up before breaking route off and could be challenged by zone corners looking to disrupt his momentum with redirects. Routes carry wasted motion with excessive arm and upper body action. Might be quicker than fast. Outstanding focus on deep throws turns into shoddy concentration on short ones. Will drop and double catch simple, short throws. Ball security is a concern after the catch with five career fumbles.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 3-4
NFL COMPARISON
Kendall Wright
BOTTOM LINE
Ultra-competitive and highly productive, Miller plays with a chip on his shoulder that has driven him to out-work the man across from him. While he played both inside and out for Memphis, some teams could struggle with figuring out his best fit. His inconsistent hands are definitely a concern, but his ability to get open and to work all three levels of the field increase his chances for success as a WR3.
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I see some of the negatives here in his draft profile and positives. He could fit in with the Rams.
It's very easy to tell that Anthony Miller works hard on his game. There are nuances in his route running that not many college players possess. Miller is an unorthodox route runner who uses his quick-twitch athleticism to the max. He utilizes a lot of head and body fakes, stutter steps, and leverage to keep defenders guessing.
Would like to see how that translates to the NFL. Doesn't seem as fluid as Cooper Kupp but, looks effective. The questions is weather he gets out of the fakes and into his brakes fast enough. If Rams find a way to get a extra pick in the 3rd and 4th he would be a nice potential playmaker.