Arizona Cardinals: 5 NFL Draft prospects to watch from the SEC
By Cody Potanko
Christian Miller – EDGE, Alabama
A curious case of edge rushing out of Alabama has all the tools to become a great player but has yet to show it on a consistent basis. Christian Miller hasn’t seen the field much due to a devastating torn bicep in 2017, but he had just shown flashes of stardom. But in 2018, Miller put it all together, tallying 10.0 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 19 hurries., per Pro Football Focus.
His lengthy 35-1/8-inch-arms allow him to establish the first contact more often than not, and his flexibility and bendiness will undoubtedly help him reel around the edge. More of a finesse rusher, he has proper hand placement and knows how to use leverage points. But he’s no slouch with power, and when used in stunts he shows that as he can rush inside the trenches.
His ability to stop the run is about average for a 6-foot-3, 247-pound edge rusher. He’s explosive and can anchor the edge. He may also be able to beat less-nimble tackles, but he tends to get pushed around too much. Miller also was used more as a third-down rusher in college, which means he’ll need time to develop into an every-down player.
Final verdict: He is a top 75 pick and will fit best in a 2 point stance in a 3-4 defense. He’ll most likely be used in special teams and as a pass rushing specialist at first until his game takes shape. If the Cardinals don’t draft Bosa, Miller would be a good consolation prize at No. 65.