Will This 2023 Draft Pick Make the Cut?
The NFL is a league where talent and performance often prevail over potential and pedigree. Every year, draft picks undergo thorough analysis, are celebrated, and are given the opportunity to prove themselves on the field. Transitioning from college football to the professional level is challenging. Every draft pick is not guaranteed a spot on the roster. In this article, we will examine a 2023 draft pick who might be at risk of not making the team. To analyze his chances, a detailed analysis of his past performances, the competition within the roster, and his current availability during training camp will determine his fate. Will this promising player rise to the occasion, or will they face the harsh reality of being cut? Let’s dive in to find out.
Kendre Miller’s College Production
During his college years, Kendre Miller was a dynamic playmaker for the TCU Horned Frogs. Miller finished his collegiate career with 361 rushes for 2,410 yards and 26 touchdowns. He was also a minor factor in the passing game, finishing with 29 catches for 229 yards and one touchdown. Most of Miller’s production came in his junior season when he exploded for nearly 1,400 yards and 18 total touchdowns. He helped lead TCU to the College Football Playoffs. In the semi-final matchup against Michigan, Miller suffered an MCL knee sprain and missed the national championship and all pre-NFL draft workouts.
Kendre Miller’s Rookie Season
Despite the injury that derailed his draft prep, the New Orleans Saints selected Kendre Miller with the 71st pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Miller offers ideal size and speed at the running back position and showcases the potential to be a starter in the NFL. His combination of power and agility makes him a versatile threat both as a runner and receiver. Miller suffered multiple injuries throughout his rookie season, including knee, hamstring, and ankle injuries, and missed nine games. He played sparingly throughout the season, with most of his production coming in a week 18 start against the Falcons. In that game, he rushed 13 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. Overall, he finished his rookie year with 51 touches for 273 yards and one touchdown.
2024 Training Camp
Saints Kendre Miller enters the 2024 season with an opportunity to establish himself as a key contributor in the backfield. He is entering his sophomore season with the Saints with expectations to be the number two back behind starter Alvin Kamara. He is still extremely young just recently turning 22 this past June. The arrow is pointing upward, with Miller displaying dynamic traits, and the Saints are hopeful for his next step in development.” Unfortunately, injuries continue to be an issue, with Miller hurting his hamstring on day one of camp. He has not practiced since the injury. Coach Dennis Allen states Miller, “needs to figure out how to stay healthy because you can’t make the team when you’re always in the training room.” Despite Coach Allen’s transparent frustration, Miller has immense upside and youth on his side, which would make it extremely difficult not to make the final roster.
Main Image: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
