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Lamar Miller

Miami

Ht. 5-11 Wt. 218

Inside Running:  Miller is solid but not great as an inside runner.  He has the power to be a very good inside runner but it doesn’t always show on film.  His upright running style make him a larger target for defenders and put a damper on his inside running ability.  He is very quick to the hole and doesn’t dance in the backfield.  Ideal back in a zone blocking scheme.

Outside Running:  Miller has the straight-line speed to make teams drool.  He is very similar to LeSean McCoy as an outside runner as both have the burst to get to the edge before defenders take notice.  He has a second gear that will not allow him to get caught from behind.  

Hands:  Miller didn’t get a ton of opportunities to show off his hands in Miami’s scheme but when he did, he was average.  I don’t see him as someone that will have to come off the field on 3rd down but he will need to learn to catch with his hands.  Too often he allowed the ball into his body and subsequently dropped a couple easy ones.  With his speed he could be a major mismatch for linebackers and safeties if he can be counted on to haul in passes.

Blocking/Durability:  Miller, like most collegiate backs, will have an adjustment period as a pass protector.  He has the lower body strength to excel as a pass blocker but will have to learn to pick up blitzes from all over the field.  Miller did suffer a shoulder injury that has nagged him throughout the 2011 season but with little wear and tear he should hold up just fine in the NFL.

Bottom Line:  Miller would be an ideal fit for a zone blocking scheme and has the speed to cause an uproar during the pre-draft process.  His blend of size, speed, and vision should find his name called in the late stages of round one or atop round 2.

Draft Projection:  Miller is a late first to early second. 

Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, lamar miller, lamar miller scouting report