Miller profiles as an early down back-up option in the NFL. Miller is a downhill one-speed runner. He lacks a high-end second gear or the juice to win the edge in the NFL consistently. Miller has solid vision and patience, but because of his burst limitations, he's best in a gap scheme run game. Miller's speed is more of the build-up variety. Miller won't juke you out of your shoes. He will attempt to throw off defenders with some head fakes in the open field or the occasional spin move or jump cut, but he's a linear runner. He won't create a ton of yards for himself. If he's contacted in the backfield, he doesn't have that extra layer of juice or wiggle to make many people miss. He's a liability in pass protection. Miller will lunge at or chip defenders, but he rarely locks into incoming rushers with his hands and holds his ground. Last year, with 49 pass blocking snaps (per PFF), he allowed seven pressures, four hurries, and three sacks. His below-average pass protection skills will limit his passing down usage in the NFL unless he corrects them. The former Alabama back is a checkdown option only in the passing game. He wasn't tasked with running an in-depth route tree, usually leaking out of the backfield, or running a flat route. His hands are a liability with five drops over the last two seasons (43 targets). Dynasty Outlook: Miller isn't a flashy back by any means, but he was the last running back selected in the NFL Draft in the seventh round by the Patriots. With his Alabama pedigree and the Patriots' affinity for gap scheme grinders, I could see him sticking on the roster and beating out Terrell Jennings for the RB3 spot when it's all said and done. If you have the room, he's worth a taxi squad add.
