2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Von Miller, Texas A&M
By Editorial Staff
6-3 240lbs Senior
Stats:
2007- 22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
2008- 44tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
2009- 48 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Pros:
When offensive coordinators hear the name Von Miller the immediately think “pressure”. Miller lives in the offensive backfield piling up both sacks and tackles for loss. He not only tallies sacks he also forces quarterbacks out of the pocket making for uncomfortable passes. Miller utilizes his excellent speed to get around offensive tackles and make life miserable for quarterbacks. He has a great knack for anticipating snap counts and getting off the line quickly. All of these skills and his great intensity make him a very dangerous player. Miller greatly benefits from the defensive scheme at Texas A&M where he plays the rush outside linebacker position. Miller is going to be a hot commodity because of his experience in the 3-4 defensive system. The fact that he is use to dropping into coverage as well as rushing the passer gives him a leg up on other college players. Recently teams have been attempting to convert college defensive ends into the 3-4 rush OLB but with Miller no conversion will be necessary.
Cons:
When watching some film on Miller the first thing I noticed is that he relies too much on his speed rush. He is going to need to find different pass rushing techniques if he wants to be successful in the NFL. Offensive coordinators in the NFL are becoming more and more familiar with the 3-4 defense and are developing good game plays for the rush linebackers. While Miller excels at creating pressure he struggles against the run. He often over pursues on plays and tries to get around offensive linemen rather than taking them head on. He needs to be more aggressive and meet linemen in the whole and get off the blocks quicker. There are also questions about Miller not playing up to better competition. Some feel that he disappeared in big games against top competition. He needs to show he can put up these big numbers against the best talent.
Thoughts:
Miller currently sits at #30 on our 2011 NFL Draft Big Board. I think his experience in the 3-4 defense will greatly enhance his draft stock. He needs to prove to the doubters that last season was not a fluke. I feel that he will have another good season and continue to produce high sack totals and come draft time he could be one of the hotter names.
Projected Round:
Right now I think he is a fringe first round player but with a good season he could really fly up draft boards. Teams are always looking for rush 3-4 linebackers, don’t be surprised if this time next year we are talking about Miller as a potential rookie of the year candidate.