2011 NFL Draft Player Profile | Von Miller 

Miller translates as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Drafted by Denver Broncos 

Despite coming out of De Soto High School as a four-star recruit in 2006, Von Miller actually didn’t become a full-time starter until his junior season last year.

Needless to say, he’s had quite an impact since then.

He broke out in 2009, picking up 17 sacks to go along with 43 total tackles. As a senior, he recorded 11 sacks, but jumped up to 68 tackles and also had an interception.

Player Name: Von Miller

Position: Outside Linebacker

School: Texas A&M

Height: 6’3

Weight: 246

Arm: 33 1/2

40 Time: 4.46

Strengths:

Miller has emerged as one of the top pure pass rushers in this class. While he’s still very raw in some areas, his technique is above average for a player his age. Miller has great explosion off the snap and uses an array of moves to help himself get past his man and into the backfield, making him very disruptive. He has great speed for his position, and is already benefited by playing in a 3-4 base defense at Texas A&M. It’s not often you find a true 3-4 outside linebacker that can make the plays that Miller is capable of. He can run with receivers and running backs, and has great closing speed with a nose for the ball. Miller emerged as the leader of the Aggies’ improved defense this season, and still has much more room to grow as a player.

Weaknesses:

Miller doesn’t possess ideal size for a player at his position. His relatively small stature likely will limit him to playing strictly linebacker in the NFL. He’s an elite pass rusher, but struggles a bit against the run. Miller’s strength is a question, and he’ll certainly need to bulk up in order to compete at a high level as a pro. He will have a tough time going against some of the bigger tackles in the NFL. His pass coverage skills need work, but it’s an area in which he’s significantly improved in his two years since becoming a full-time starter. At times he plays a bit too stiff, and in the occasions in which he puts his hands down, he struggles to stay low, often jumping up out of his stance, and getting pushed back in the run game.

Draft Range:

With so many teams in today’s NFL playing with a 3-4 defense, having an elite pass rushing outside linebacker is essential. Miller can make an impact from day one in that department. While he certainly can improve in several areas, he’s skilled and athletic enough to translate quickly to the next level. Bulk is one of the easiest areas in which to improve, and you can be certain that Miller has already begun the process of getting himself an NFL body. At this point, he seems like a lock to go in the first round, and could realistically be taken as high as 10th by Washington or 11th by Houston.

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About the author: Taylor Smith

Taylor Smith has been with NFL Soup since its inception, and is a jack of all trades, helping with breaking news, fantasy football advice and NFL Draft coverage. Smith also heads NFL Soup's live chats and radio shows. Taylor also contributes content to our sister sites, MLB Soup, NBA Soup and NBA Water Cooler. He lives in Los Angeles, where he also is a writer for the L.A. Clippers. Follow him on Twitter @NFLSoupTaylor.