Anthony Miller impressed during his time at Memphis. Will he prove he’s more than a product of a strong system and earn a high pick in the 2018 NFL Draft?
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Anthony Miller was off most colleges’ recruiting radar coming into his first year as an NCAA athlete, but made the most of his opportunity nonetheless. Memphis took a chance on Miller as a walk-on, and he more than paid dividends for an already strong Tigers passing attack.
Miller was forced to sit out his first two seasons due to injury, but immediately burst onto the scene in 2015 when he recorded 47 receptions for 694 yards and five touchdowns. Miller then went on to post two nearly identical seasons in 2016 and 2017, putting up 95 receptions for 1,434 yards and 14 touchdowns before contributing 96 catches for 1,462 yards and 18 scores the following year.
Strengths
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All things considered, Miller is most effective on deep routes. He has a great awareness of the football, whether in the air or in the hands of his scrambling quarterback. He has the speed to get past eager defenders when necessary. Lastly, Miller is exceptionally diverse in his ability to play the field, likely a result of his need to make the Memphis roster any way possible.
In terms of his NFL comparison, I see a close resemblance in Mohamed Sanu of the Atlanta Falcons. While Sanu has a few inches on Miller, both have the ability to play on either the inside or outside if necessary. Additionally, both players are known to use both their physicality and quickness to break off defenders.
Weaknesses
If any aspect of Miller’s game needs helping, it’s his hands. Oddly enough, Miller’s ability to make catches seems to decrease the closer he gets to the quarterback, resulting in numerous drops and fumbles. He is sure-handed when he gets further downfield, but his struggles to catch passes with some zip will need to be addressed before he earns meaningful snaps.
Unfortunately, and mostly out of his control, Miller struggles with staying healthy. His durability has improved as his career has progressed, but his early battles with injuries will likely be in the heads of general managers nonetheless.
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Draft Expectations
Despite his tendency for injury and short-pass struggles, Miller has a grit that separates him from most. That will attract many eyes, but the question is whether or not they will linger. Miller has been known for his ability to make something out of nothing, a quality significantly valued in today’s NFL.