Von Miller NFL Draft scouting report

by Dan Kadar on Jan 20, 2011 6:39 PM EST in 2011 NFL Draft

Von Miller
6'3, 243 pounds | Outside linebacker | Texas A&M

Coverage: Has shown some improvement in this area, but was never required to consistently drop back in coverage. That changed some under new coordinator Tim DeRuyter. As such, Miller is raw in his technique and following routes. He has the athleticism to make up for missteps, but can be fooled on double moves. Is better when asked to cover man-to-man than in zone. At times looks lost when there are receivers working behind him.

Instincts/recognition: Miller is a "see ball, get ball" athlete who coaches can let loose. If he's put in a system where he can freelance, he should be fine. But Miller's play recognition skills are only decent. He should improve here facing more-complicated looks in the pros. If he doesn't, it will be hard for Miller to live up to his eye-popping college stats.

Pass rush: Miller was the "joker" for A&M, a hybrid linebacker/defensive end position that allowed him to stand up near the line of scrimmage. The pass rush is where he'll make his money in the NFL and perhaps garner him a first-round position. Miller is aplomb at working to the outside because of his great first step and follow-up speed. He's surprisingly strong working to the inside and gets good natural leverage due to his height. But if Miller comes out of his stance too high, offensive linemen can easily neutralize him in space. Miller has a variety of pass rush moves, his best being an inside spin.

Pursuit/Lateral movement and agility: Miller is tenacious in pursuit as long as he's free to run around. He has good range and lateral fluidity. Has good playing speed for a linebacker to close on the ball carrier. Needs to show more anticipation as he'll often run himself out of a play.

Quickness: Possesses great quickness off the snap. This is by far Miller's best feature. Is quick with his footwork and handwork. Can get up to his full speed in an instant. Very explosive out of a two-point stance.

Run defense: Because of what he was asked to do at A&M, Miller is behind the curve in run defense. Looked better in run defense as a senior, but still gives up too much space to the outside. Needs to learn to play more contained and fill gaps. Gets held up by power linemen, especially guards pulling. Because he can't anchor, teams can elect to run at Miller and have success.

Strength/Ability to shed blocks: Is the kind of player who prefers to run around blockers instead of through them. Doesn't have the lower body strength to anchor and hold up on the line of scrimmage. Because of that, Miller can be washed out of plays. Is fairly strong in his upper body to hit and tackle.

Final word: Miller is going to make a lot of money thanks to a player like Clay Matthews of the Packers' They're very similar in that they played a hybrid pass rusher position in college.

But if Miller wants to succeed like Matthews has, he has some work to do. Matthews left USC at a similar size as Miller, but he's bulked up 15 pounds since then. Miller will have to do the same so he can better play the run and handle the load of a 3-4 linebacker. Right now, Miller just doesn't have the lower body strength to consistently play his side of the field.

Will enter the NFL raw in pass coverage and suspect against the run. Was mostly used at A&M as an upfield player and will start his pro career in the same role. If a team needs someone to purely get after the quarterback, that's Miller. He could be a big-time mover up draft boards, similar to Matthews two years ago and Koa Misi in 2010.

Struggled early in his senior season due to a knee sprain. Really came on toward the end of 2010 with eight tackles in his final six games. Finished the year with 10.5 sacks.

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Comments

on ArrowheadPride and here to a degree

Some love Von Miller and some love Aldon Smith. I think Jeremy Beal and Akeem Ayers play into the same equation.

My point is that Aldon Smith has those extra 15 lbs already and played on a fractured leg vs a sprained knee and still is equated to Von Miller in talent?

Just try to STOP US

by Steve_Chiefs on Jan 20, 2011 6:46 PM EST reply actions

i like miller, but not for KC

I would rather not pick a LB in the 1st, but I think Beal may be the best fit if they do… Smith is a great raw talent, but may be better suited to going to a team that wouldn’t expect him to start right away

Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round

by stagdsp on Jan 20, 2011 8:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Why would Donte Moch not get similar attention to Von Miller?

Just try to STOP US

by Steve_Chiefs on Jan 20, 2011 6:49 PM EST reply actions

Moch doesn’t have the moves and is even more limited in pass coverage.

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by Dan Kadar on Jan 20, 2011 8:24 PM EST up reply actions

and he is 10 lbs lighter

Sean Lissemore = The next Bruce Smith

by Lissyyyyy on Jan 20, 2011 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

and so much faster......

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by HawaiiEaglesFanatic on Jan 21, 2011 12:10 AM EST up reply actions

because von Miller has 2 back to back double digit sack seasons

and leads the NCAA in sacks for the past 2 years. Like it or not a lot of teams like production just as much as potential. He’ll be drafted very high on that alone

by DBroncs1414 on Jan 20, 2011 9:30 PM EST up reply actions

So what makes Miller better than Mason Foster?

He’s faster, sure, but Foster has far better instincts.

by Coach Owens on Jan 20, 2011 7:40 PM EST reply actions

He’s just that much better as a pass rusher whereas Foster may be more of a WOLB.

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by Dan Kadar on Jan 20, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think he's heads and shoulders a better pass rusher.

Washington used Foster as an all around linebacker, dropping him back in coverage while using their OLB, Victor Aiyewa, as a pass-rusher as well as sending Foster on a blitz. His numbers are especially good considering that they got absolutely no pass-rush from their DL so Foster almost always had to fight through a blocker or two.

by Coach Owens on Jan 20, 2011 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

And if your team is a non-blitzing 4-3 team in need of OLB help like STL or DET, there isn’t much need to take someone high like Miller when there is good early to mid round value from guys like Carter, Foster, Wilson, Homan among others.

Jason Heyward wins at baseball.

by bbxxj on Jan 20, 2011 8:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

As a Lions fan I agree with you.

There are plenty of second and third round OLBs that would fit better in Detroit than Miller.
Ayers is intriguing on the Strong Side, but I am not sure that the Lions management values LBs that highly [at # 13].

by NorthLeft12 on Jan 21, 2011 8:04 AM EST up reply actions

To my knowledge

The Jets, Ravens and Chargers run a 3-4 that utilizes their ROLB as a primary pass rusher or ‘joker’. Miller and maybe others like Houston are may be ready made for this positon.

Jason Heyward wins at baseball.

by bbxxj on Jan 20, 2011 8:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Good knowledge, and sig.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Jan 20, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

Would appear a good 3-4 D needs a joker

Chiefs have one in Hali, Some of the problem is that we have a Joker and some want a pair of Jokers on the field. Most see the problem with that

Just try to STOP US

by Steve_Chiefs on Jan 20, 2011 8:47 PM EST up reply actions

KC asks Hali to drop into coverage than a classic joker type and it is this versatility that makes him more successful/surprising when the blitz does come as it can come from either side, both or not at all. These types of players are harder to find and that may be why some 3-4s choose to scheme for a joker.

Jason Heyward wins at baseball.

by bbxxj on Jan 20, 2011 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

I think most people DO want a pair of Jokers (or a straight flush) I think the Steelers have that.

but the guy opposite DeMarcus Ware, Lawrence Taylor, Clay Matthews, Suggs, Orakpo needs to be more versitile.
playing off the TE, can stay with a TE like Dallas Clark, and hold down the strong side in the running game, and occasionally get after the QB on 3rd down.

by durst on Jan 21, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

Jets

While their ROLB (Pace) rushes more often than their LOLB (Thomas), it is not really a designated rush position. Both players had 6 sacks this year. The Jets scheme is to mix up their blitzes. They blitz from the ILB and S positions often. Or, like the last two playoff games, they rush three and count on Ellis to provide pressure.

While I think they appreciated Taylor as a rush specialist, I don’t see them spending a 1st round pick on what would be a part-time player for them.

by ct17 on Jan 20, 2011 9:39 PM EST up reply actions

He seems more suited to a 3-4 than Matthews

which is why I get annoyed when Miller is mocked to a 4-3 team. He has the athleticism to be a SLB, but is more of a chicken with its head chopped off rushing at the QB.

If anything he may fit a Robert Mathis DE spot in a 4-3. Which of course is only run by one team.

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by Rorschach44 on Jan 20, 2011 8:41 PM EST reply actions

did u just say only one team runs a 4-3?

by HawaiiEaglesFanatic on Jan 21, 2011 12:11 AM EST up reply actions

no

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Jan 21, 2011 5:01 AM EST up reply actions

he was saying only one team plays with 235 pound DEs = Colts

by durst on Jan 21, 2011 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

what about Dallas at 9?

if Prince isnt there and no OL pushes himself into the top 10 talk, what do you guys think of Miller to Dallas?
Ware and a Clay Matthews type on the other side sounds disgusting

by Archie Barberio on Jan 20, 2011 8:56 PM EST reply actions

he's really not a Clay matthews

that is unless he starts roiding

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by Rorschach44 on Jan 20, 2011 9:36 PM EST up reply actions

lol

but similar scenario
both considered “undersized” and if Miller follows Matthews and gains about 15 pounds, in a year he could be the Clay Matthews type of pass rusher and Miller was way more productive in college and a starter the whole time, Matthews kinda came outta nowhere, I mean we noticed him his last year at USC, but I believe he walked on there and wasnt recruited by big time schools and he definately juiced imo
guy went from a little scrawny dude into this beast
Cushing juiced so Matthews juiced
its the juice way

by Archie Barberio on Jan 21, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

Dude, juicing doesn't spread like a disease

Mathews is tested quite often and honestly a 10 pound gain going to a professional organized weight regimen where being in football shape is your job, a 10 pound gain is easy.

If you where talking 40 pounds in a short period of time, yeah, that’s roids. Ten pounds is good nutrition, a good amount of weights and the frame to handle the extra weight.

by azreal60 on Feb 2, 2011 11:23 PM EST up reply actions

He should probably go to AJ Hawk's next team, in that case.

by Omar Little on Jan 21, 2011 10:33 PM EST up reply actions

He'll be drafted very high

I hope by a 3-4 team. If he bulks up to 250 (his frame shows it can) and develops some moves to compliment his speed, he’ll be a force

by DBroncs1414 on Jan 20, 2011 9:24 PM EST reply actions

Maybin’s frame showed that too. It hasn’t worked out.

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Jan 21, 2011 9:40 PM EST up reply actions

You’re being too kind in this assessment.

Miller is TERRIBLE in run support. He gets washed out of every run play, and every pass play once the LT gets the advantage.

His first step is good, but he doesn’t play fast. His hips aren’t smooth, along with him being 20 pounds underweight. I would be very surprised if he wasn’t Maybin 2.0

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"Fine" I said, "I want to die after the Browns win the Super Bowl !"
"You crafty bastard," said the fairy.

by The Licensed Pessimist on Jan 20, 2011 9:32 PM EST reply actions

Can I just call you and get you on everyone who gives me crap for not loving Miller?

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Jan 20, 2011 10:14 PM EST up reply actions

Ugh I'm so low on Miller.

Especially when everyone drafts him to the Patriots. Spoiler: If he can’t stop the run and has bad instinct, the Patriots don’t want him. Add in the fact that he’s a good 20 lbs too light to be a Patriot OLB and that he runs himself out of plays and that his style of play doesn’t translate to the NFL, I think the Patriots want nothing to do with him.

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by Richard Hill on Jan 21, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I could use your help on the Lions site too.

There are a number of PODers that believe he can easily convert to a 4-3 OLB because of his athletic abilities. Who knows, maybe he can.

by NorthLeft12 on Jan 21, 2011 8:08 AM EST up reply actions

athletic ability is one thing

actually being a LB is another. If you want a look at what Schwartz likes in his LBs, look at Tennessee’s teams under him.

Bulluck was the highest draft pick there and he was more of a safety in college. Miller is more of a blitzing LB. Than you have mostly undersized speedy types.

Miller most likely doesn’t fit the Lions at all. Unless they’re planning on making him a DE, which might make sense playing next to Suh, but probably doesn’t cuz they don’t really have a big run stopping LB to play behind him.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Jan 21, 2011 8:20 AM EST up reply actions

Yes please! I was hyped on May-ler last year, but that was when I just looked at stats. I almost threw up when I saw the tape

by The Licensed Pessimist on Jan 20, 2011 11:08 PM EST reply actions

Alot of hype is following Miller

This guy and Heyward hopefully the Chargers are smart enough to pass on. Straightup magazine specimens and football players second. Would rather the Chargers draft Aldon Smith or even better Ayers at 18ish if they are dead set on a linebacker. Thanks as always Dan

IMO

by Foilhat on Jan 21, 2011 12:24 AM EST reply actions

Wonder if he will be a good fit for the Jets...

He seems undersized to be a OLB in a 3-4.

by JetKing55 on Jan 21, 2011 11:19 AM EST reply actions

sack stats can be misleading....

I like to see who he got those sacks against. If its a 1st round quality LT, thats great. (some debate about how he performed against Okung, and Trent Williams in 2009) If it was against an undersized RB, not so great.

Miller had more freedom to rush the passer than any player in college football the last two years, and his stats reflect that.

What I DO like about him is that most NFL 3-4 OLBs were former college DEs, and so many of them fail in their conversion. Miller may be a hybid/joker but the conversion should be easier, he has alot of experience at LB early in college, and in HS.

by durst on Jan 21, 2011 11:34 AM EST reply actions

Miller

looks to be a situational pass rusher to me & not much else. I think he’s way overhyped due to his stats. I’d take a guy like Ayers, Martez Wilson, or Justin Houston for my 3-4 OLB before Miller.

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by Buck Melanoma on Jan 23, 2011 2:27 PM EST reply actions

After taking heat for "mocking" Miller to the Texans with thier 11th pick, I decided to become a full fledged Miller supporter:

this is a quote from the guys at Rotoworld (my favorite site for fantasy football info, I won my league in 2010)

If you read/hear that Von Miller (OLB/DE Texas A&M) is a liability in coverage, you’re getting bad info. Miller greatly improved his coverage skills this year and is showcasing them at the Senior Bowl. He’s an every-down linebacker with nearly unlimited upside. He’s a top-10 pick for sure, and some believe Miller could go in the top five — as high as Denver at number two. Likely, he will go lower, but that is the type of week he is having.

profootballweekly : Miller has look of elite sack artist

http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/01/28/miller-has-look-of-elite-sack-artist

Is Von Miller The Biggest 2011 Senior Bowl Standout? Adam Schefter thinks Miller has become a top-five pick based on his superb week of Senior Bowl practices, and the raves don’t stop there…

http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/1/26/1958276/von-miller-2011-senior-bowl-nfl-draft

by durst on Jan 28, 2011 2:54 PM EST reply actions