2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Anthony Miller





  • Anthony Miller, 5-11/201

  • Wide Receiver

  • Memphis


  • Anthony Miller Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Superb route runner
  • Tremendous slot receiver
  • Good speed
  • Exellent hands
  • Very competitive, gritty receiver
  • Tracks the ball well
  • Dangerous yards-after-the-catch receiver
  • Elusive in the open field
  • Cutting ability
  • Consistently generates quick separation
  • Can challenge defenses vertically
  • Outfights defenders for the ball
  • Excelled against good competition
  • Raises level of play in crunch time
  • Will put his team on his back
  • Thick build
  • Work ethic
  • Leader




  • Weaknesses:
  • Limited to being a slot receiver
  • Quicker than fast
  • Lacks height


  • Summary: Over the past three years, Miller was one of the most dangerous and consistent receivers in college football. He had a quality debut in 2018, catching 47 passes for 694 yards and five touchdowns. As a junior, Miller became the No. 1 receiver for Riley Ferguson, totaling 95 receptions for 1,434 yards with 14 touchdowns on the year.

    Miller played really well for Memphis in 2017, putting up a number of massive games. He was huge to lead Memphis to a big upset over UCLA. He also was phenomenal against Central Florida in a double-overtime loss in which he made 14 receptions for 195 yards and three touchdowns. He had other big games against the likes of Connecticut and Houston. Miller totaled 92 receptions for 1,462 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior.



    For the NFL, Miller fits as a slot receiver. He is a quick wideout who is an excellent route-runner. He is smooth of his breaks and doesn’t round off cuts or take extra steps. Consistently, Miller creates separation and is a threat to rip off yards in chunks with his run-after-the-catch skills. When cornerbacks and safeties play on their heels, Miller is a threat to burn them and run by them down the field.

    To go along with speed, Miller is very shifty and elusive. That makes him a very dangerous threat with the ball in his hands. Miller is a tenacious competitor who wants to win above all else. He makes big plays in crunch time and will put his team on his back.

    While Miller isn’t a tall receiver, he is put together well and has developed some strength. He has very good hands. Miller looks like he can contribute quickly in his NFL career as a slot receiver. He is limited to that role by his size.

    Miller looks likely to be a second-day pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He could go in the second round and shouldn’t slip out of the third round.





    Player Comparison: Doug Baldwin. Miller’s gritty style of play with quickness, route-running, hands, and tenacity remind me of Baldwin. Baldwin (5-10, 192) went undrafted, but has turned into an excellent pro receiver. Miller will probably go on Day 2, but I could see him being an overachiever in the NFL similar to Baldwin.

    NFL Matches: Cleveland, San Francisco, New Orleans, Dallas, Denver, Washington, Arizona, Buffalo, Baltimore and Jacksonville

    There are a lot of teams that could be in the market for a wide receiver upgrade on the second day of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Browns need more receiving talent for their offense even with Jarvis Landry being signed to a long-term deal. They can’t count on Josh Gordon to stay on the field, and Corey Coleman hasn’t panned out for them yet. With their second-round picks and third-rounder, the Browns could consider a receiver like Miller.

    The Saints and 49ers could use more pass-catching weapons for their offenses. New Orleans could use more weapons for Drew Brees, but the team would have to trade up from its third-round pick due to lacking its second-round choice. Miller would be a nice fit for Kyle Shanahan across from Marquise Goodwin. Miller could be in play for both teams in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

    The Broncos, Redskins and Cardinals all could be in the market for a receiver upgrade. Denver could look for some young receiving talent. Washington signed Paul Richardson, but the team could consider adding more young receiver talent. Arizona has to consider life after Larry Fitzgerald and could use more receiving talent around the future Hall of Famer.

    The Bills and Ravens also are in the market for receiver help. Buffalo has a plethora second-day picks in the 2018 NFL Draft and could have a diverse trio of wideouts with Miller, Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones. Baltimore badly needs more receiving talent for its offense. Miller could make sense for the Ravens in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

    Dallas could use more receiving talent after cutting Dez Bryant. In Florida, the Jaguars could target a receiver like Miller considering Allen Robinson wasn’t re-signed.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2018 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2018 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2018 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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