Overview
Position: Edge rusher/Linebacker
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 247 pounds
School: Alabama Crimson Tide
Combine/Pro Day Performance Data
Bench press: 18 reps (Alabama Pro Day)
Vertical jump: 38.5 inches (third-best among edge rushers)
Broad jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
Christian Miller 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Over the years, football fans have become accustomed to seeing Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide boasting one of the nation’s best defenses. This year was no different as the Tide boasted the likes of potential number one pick Quinnen Williams and the subject of this draft profile, Christian Miller.
Miller came to Alabama four seasons ago as a highly touted recruit. However, he wasn’t ever a headliner with the Crimson Tide. Miller did put in four solid seasons which proved that he could not only set the edge and rush the quarterback, but also drop back into coverage as a linebacker, his natural position. This versatility will be crucial as he looks to make the jump into the NFL. Miller’s best season came last year where he racked up 34 total tackles and eight sacks for the Tide. One red flag with Miller is durability as he did sit out of a variety of drills at the Combine including the 40-yard dash due to a hamstring injury, something that plagued him throughout the season.
Strengths
- good frame for the position;
- versatile skill set;
- long arms which can create leverage at the line;
- can be used to defend against the run as well as drop into coverage;
- delivers sudden and impactful blows with his hands.
Weaknesses
- concerns about durability;
- makes a false step when coming out of a two-point stance;
- undersized for the edge position;
- doesn’t consistently get good position on linemen when rushing the passer;
- speed to power conversion is subpar.
Teams With Need at Position: New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers
Projection: Third round
Bottom Line
Miller is an extremely promising young talent. However he is very raw and will need to refine his game if he is to be successful in the NFL. With that being said, Miller has a boatload of potential both as a linebacker and an edge rusher. His long arms and good athleticism will both translate well to the next level and give Miller a leg up in the pass rush game.
One knock against Miller is his durability. He dealt with a hamstring injury towards the end of this past season and it has stuck with him through the combine and Alabama’s Pro Day. Miller will need to prove himself to be durable to NFL teams in order to establish himself in the league. In addition to concerns about Miller’s health, there is also concern about his ability to consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This lack of consistency likely stems from his lack of explosiveness off the line and his tendency to not establish a lower pad level than the opposing lineman. These problems can be easily fixed at the next level, so they really shouldn’t bother teams all that much. Overall, Miller has sky-high potential and should become a solid front seven player for years to come.
