2018 NFL Draft Prospects: Week 3-Wide Receivers

Anthony Miller-Memphis, WR, Sr, 5-11, 190lbs

Opponent: UCLA

THE GOOD:
Miller's ability to get off the line of scrimmage is obvious.  He uses quick feet and has no wasted movement off the line and gets into his route immediately.  Miller caught the ball well with hands away from body and made a great diving catch in the middle of the field for a huge gain.  On the goal line he showed really high football IQ to stick the ball over the goal line after catching a slant.  While fully extended he realized there was a safety coming and was able to tuck the ball back into his body to avoid a fumble.  Surprisingly, Miller is a willing and able blocker as a wide receiver.  To start the game he was the lead blocker 80yds downfield on a huge run play.

THE BAD:
 Miller will have to more consistent with his route running and run cleaner routes to have a chance at being an early round draft pick.  He showed the ability to stick his foot in the ground and run sharp routes but also showed he will round off his route.   

THE UGLY:
 Being that Miller is smaller in stature some will assume that he is going to have trouble with physical corners.  To that I say, you are correct.  To his credit, Miller will be physical and try to use his hands to get off jams but he needs to get stronger.  Even with minimal contact Miller will be knocked off stride and stumble.  

IN THE END:
Miller is a versatile and skilled WR that will be a benefit to many NFL teams.  He lined up at X,Y, slot and in the backfield vs UCLA.  I know a team that loves WRs that are small and quick that can be lined up in multiple formations...."coughPATRIOTScough".    I can see Miller being one of the top slot WRs taken this year.

Darren Andrews-UCLA, WR, SR, 5-10, 195lbs

Opponent: Memphis


THE GOOD:
Andrews put up a stat line of 10rec, 175yds and a TD against Memphis.  He does a very good job of concentrating on the ball while in traffic and securing the catch.  Unfortunately, that is about all I can put in the good column.

THE BAD:
 Andrews route running needs a good amount of work.  He runs the route extremely lackadaisical and does not run sharp routes.  This runs hand in hand with him almost never getting any separation from his defender.  When Memphis went to a man to man press defense Andrews struggled to get off the jam and get into his route.  When asked to block Andrews really did a poor job trying to block his assignment.   

THE UGLY:
There was not one snap where I thought Andrews exploded off the line of scrimmage.  He was always  a half second late to get into his route and by that time the defender closed the cushion.  As the game went on Andrews struggled to get off the line more and more.  It eventually devolved into Andrews having to take a hop step to get off the line of scrimmage.  

IN THE END:
Andrews' inability to explode off the line of scrimmage and slow route running makes it hard to see him beating NFL caliber corner backs.  



 WEEK 4 Spotlight: Martez Ivey-OT (Florida), Martinas Rankin-OT (Miss St.)