Anthony Miller Would Provide The Deep Threat The Redskins Need Opposite Doctson But That's Not All

Anthony Miller, WR
School: Memphis | Conference: AAC
College Experience: rSr | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 190 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round or 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Kenny Stills

College Statistics

Player Overview

Anthony Miller, a Memphis native, walked onto the Memphis football team back in 2013 after not receiving a single offer to play football in college. Every Power 5 school’s scouting department missed on Miller. The same won’t happen as he makes the leap to the NFL. Miller during his time as starter posted two monster seasons statistically. Miller broke the University of Memphis receiving records previously set by Isaac Bruce and Duke Calhoun. He has great top end speed which makes him one of the few deep threats in this receiving class but what may be his most refined and polished quality is his route running and his ability to sell the defense. He makes use of his refined footwork, head fakes, and other elusive moves to confuse and make hesitant his defenders. His routes are relatively crisp and he isn't just a deep threat as he can hurt you anywhere on the field working out of the slot. He is a natural pass catcher as well and for the most part, has sure-handed. At times though he drops the easy ones because his attention isn't fully on the ball coming his way. His size will be questioned against big fast corners as well that can disrupt his momentum. Overall Miller is a solid prospect that could contribute in a big way early on in his career if he’s given the chance.

Strengths

• Good speed and excellent quickness for the position. Able to catch the home run balls should test well athletically.
• May track the deep ball better than any receiver in this class. Able to use his body to make outstanding adjustments to come away with it.
• Dangerous in short, intermediate, and deep routes with his after catch ability.
• Route running ability is also probably top of the class. Understand route concepts and ran a variety of them while at Memphis. Understands the importance of route crispness and timing and generally is always where he is supposed to be at the right moment.
• Attacks catch point better than his defender and generally is a sure-handed target. Was able to pull off several high difficulties catches throughout his career.
• Competitive and a high effort player.

Weaknesses

• I wonder how he will consistently perform against top press corners in the league that will be physical with him.
• Drops easy ones he should catch especially on short screen/out routes.
• Must protect the ball after the catch he has at least 5 fumbles in his career.

Let’s see his work:

More Anthony Miller videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

I think Anthony Miller is the type of speedy receiver Redskins fans think has been missing in the offense since the departure of Desean Jackson. Right now it looks like Miller will take a bit of a fall in the draft since he didn't produce at a power 5 school and because he has been dealing with a nagging foot injury all offseason. He will be older than your typical rookie because he spent his first year on the Memphis’ scout team and the 2014 season was lost to injury. One interesting thing about that is I read last week an NFC Executive say that TE Hayden Hurst is likely maxed out because of his age. I’m not sure if the position or other factors have anything to do with that statement but I wonder if the same guy and others feel that way about Miller who will be a 24-year-old rookie if so that could also affect his stock.

Technically there aren't many weaknesses to Miller’s game aside from the occasional maddening drop in short distance and his need for improvement securing the ball he is one of the more refined prospects at the position. As far as his fit on the Redskins the only tough thing to figure out is where Miller will be playing. He spent his time playing the slot in college and for a lot of other teams that's where he would play in the NFL. The Redskins are going to have to put him in the Z position opposite the field of Doctson and I cant see the team moving Jamison Crowder from his slot role except for on very special situations. If the move goes smoothly I can see Miller having an immediate impact that may not be typical for rookie WRs. I don’t think he is Tyreek Hill but he could be that speedy option that Alex Smith has been used to having the past few years. A player like Miller will also command safety help and could take the pressure off Crowder, Reed, or even Doctson with his top-end speed. Some fans may not agree with spending such a high pick on a WR again but it may be necessary (and it is preferable to me compared to high priced FAs) to help round out the receiving core.