2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Lamar Miller
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Strengths:
Straight-line speed
Quickness to the hole
Vision
Shiftiness
Mobile with scrambling ability
Quality size
Solid hands
Receiving ability
Durable
Weaknesses: Runs too upright
Not very powerful
Will need work on pass protection
Summary: Miller had an excellent red-shirt sophomore season and was the most consistent weapon for Miami. In 2011, Miller averaged 5.6 yards per carry with 1,272 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Miller started the season strong going over 100 yards in each of the first five games, including 184 yards against Ohio State and 166 yards on Virginia Tech. In 2010, Miller's first season of playing time, he ran for 646 yards and six touchdowns.
What sets Miller apart from other running backs is speed at his size. He has a second gear that when he gets into the open field, he can't be caught from behind. He truly is a threat to score on almost any carry.
There is no doubt that Miller has the skill set to be a three-down running back in the NFL. He has the hands and route-running skills to be a good receiver out of the backfield. Like all college running backs, Miller will have to go through an adjustment period to learn blitz protection.
Miller should be a quick starter in the NFL, and is coming into the league without an injury concern or much wear-and-tear from college. He would be a better fit in a zone-blocking scheme rather than a power between tackles-based run game.
Player Comparison: LeSean McCoy. Miller is similar height and weight to McCoy, and both players have a burst that defenses struggle to contain. Miller and McCoy also have shiftiness and athleticism to slash through defenses and pick up yards in chunks. McCoy was a second-round pick of Philadelphia, and many teams are regretting that they let him slip to the Eagles. Miller is projected to be a second half of the first-round or early second-round pick.
If Miller lands with the right team and the right system, he could be a player who is comparable to McCoy.
NFL Matches: Denver, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Tampa Bay
Miller would be a good fit in the Denver Broncos' offense, and they could look at Miller with their first-round pick. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati could also consider Miller in the first round. The Steelers are approaching the end of Rashard Mendenhall's contract, and Miller would bring speed and depth as a dual back in the short-term. Cincinnati needs to find a long-term starter at running back, and it should definitely consider Miller early.
A team like Tampa Bay that is looking for more speed and explosion could go for Miller if he makes it to their second-round pick. Miller could also be a fit for Cleveland at the top of the second round.
RELATED LINKS:
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: Miller had an excellent red-shirt sophomore season and was the most consistent weapon for Miami. In 2011, Miller averaged 5.6 yards per carry with 1,272 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Miller started the season strong going over 100 yards in each of the first five games, including 184 yards against Ohio State and 166 yards on Virginia Tech. In 2010, Miller's first season of playing time, he ran for 646 yards and six touchdowns.
What sets Miller apart from other running backs is speed at his size. He has a second gear that when he gets into the open field, he can't be caught from behind. He truly is a threat to score on almost any carry.
There is no doubt that Miller has the skill set to be a three-down running back in the NFL. He has the hands and route-running skills to be a good receiver out of the backfield. Like all college running backs, Miller will have to go through an adjustment period to learn blitz protection.
Miller should be a quick starter in the NFL, and is coming into the league without an injury concern or much wear-and-tear from college. He would be a better fit in a zone-blocking scheme rather than a power between tackles-based run game.
Player Comparison: LeSean McCoy. Miller is similar height and weight to McCoy, and both players have a burst that defenses struggle to contain. Miller and McCoy also have shiftiness and athleticism to slash through defenses and pick up yards in chunks. McCoy was a second-round pick of Philadelphia, and many teams are regretting that they let him slip to the Eagles. Miller is projected to be a second half of the first-round or early second-round pick.
If Miller lands with the right team and the right system, he could be a player who is comparable to McCoy.
NFL Matches: Denver, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Tampa Bay
Miller would be a good fit in the Denver Broncos' offense, and they could look at Miller with their first-round pick. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati could also consider Miller in the first round. The Steelers are approaching the end of Rashard Mendenhall's contract, and Miller would bring speed and depth as a dual back in the short-term. Cincinnati needs to find a long-term starter at running back, and it should definitely consider Miller early.
A team like Tampa Bay that is looking for more speed and explosion could go for Miller if he makes it to their second-round pick. Miller could also be a fit for Cleveland at the top of the second round.
RELATED LINKS:
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Reports