2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Von Miller

Strengths:

Outstanding speed; eliminates space in a hurry

Elite first step

Very intelligent; knows how to set up an OT

Technically sound with footwork

Plethora of rush moves

Great motor and gives nice second effort

Extremely productive junior year

Terrific range

Fluid athlete and can cover a lot of ground

Smooth hips in coverage

Can turn and run with running backs/tight ends

Stays low and runs with the arc

Instinctive with natural feel for the game

Tenacious pass rusher

Excellent counter moves

Smooth transition to 3-4 scheme in NFL

Leader with good work ethic

Playmaker

Still has upside

Weaknesses:

Very small frame

Gets overwhelmed at point of attack

Weak versus the run

Hand use could improve

Needs to add strength

Strictly a 3-4 outside linebacker

Summary: Von Miller doesn’t have the size you look for, but he gets the most out of his abilities and has an extremely high level of athleticism. With the 3-4 scheme in the NFL now, you don’t need to be 6-4, 255 pounds to play outside linebacker. All you need is a great first step and elite speed, and Miller brings both to the table. I have a first-round grade on Miller going into the season and I expect him to have a big senior year and end up being a first-round pick.

Player Comparison: Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil and Miller are both undersized, but they are tremendously athletic and wreak havoc on quarterbacks at the rush linebacker position.

RELATED LINKS:

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s

2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

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