Lamar Miller was a steal for the Dolphins in the 4th round

May. 01 Opinion 3 comments ---Bill

The Miami Dolphins entered this year’s NFL draft with a number of holes to fill.  As far as most could tell, running back was not one of those holes.  However, when a player like Lamar Miller was on the board in the 4th round, the Dolphins had to pounce.  Miller, you see, was projected by many to be a late first or early second round pick.  With that type of talent staring them in the face, the Dolphins made the right decision and traded up for Miller.

Miller is 5’11″, 212 lbs and ran the fastest 40 yard dash of all running backs at the NFL Combine in February.  Miller has the type of explosive ability that the Dolphins new coaching staff is looking for.  According to WalterFootball.com, the best comparison that can be drawn from Miller is LeSean McCoy of the Eagles.  THAT’S a pretty good comparison if you ask me.  Check out Miller’s 2011 highlight reel below and you’ll start to picture what he can do for the Dolphins:


Miller has good vision, good hands, and an excellent ability to cut on a dime, make a defender miss and accelerate quickly.  You see in the video above that Miller runs to daylight and can make defenders miss.  Being 212 lbs. means that he won’t run with a lot of power and run over defenders.  BUT, if the Dolphins can get him in space, using tosses and sweeps, Miller has the vision and quickness to excel.  If last year’s 2nd round pick, Daniel Thomas struggles again with his health, Miller could quickly surpass him on the depth chart….Actually, he probably will, even if Thomas is healthy.

Miller rushed for almost 1,300 yards last season for the Hurricanes, scoring 9 touchdowns.  He can catch the ball well out of the backfield and is dangerous returning kickoffs and punts.  Drafting Miller is good for a few reasons: 1. He was the best player available in the 4th round, 2. He solidifies the Dolphins RB position, 3. He adds insurance, in the event that Reggie Bush gets injured AND provides a longer term solution at running back.  After all, Reggie Bush is set to become a free agent after the 2012 season.  The Dolphins backfield could be Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller for years to come.  I’m excited about the possibility and getting Lamar in the 4th round just makes it that much better of a pick.

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  • phinfan4sure

    I believe this has to be the steal of the 4th round! I can see Lamar being our starting back in 2 years,

  • http://roseygolf roseygolf

    I don’t think the signing of Miller was just a steal of the fourth round, this was the steal of the draft. When have you seen a guy with the speed, size and production get out of the first round. I can’t imagine what the scouts were looking at not to press their respective franchises to take this guy much earlier, but I’m sure glad we moved up to get him. I am a lifelong fin fan. I have been watching how badly my team works the draft for years. Finally, they made a great move that will produce more wins for this team.

  • Steven M Wallace

    Basically You play the game, or you don’t PLAY the game in a MIAMI DOLPHINS uniform!! Let’s run the ball and lets run the ball again. Leaving our young STUD to set up the underneath passing routes that will be wide open after a play action game plan has been set up and established leaving our wide open backs, receivers and tight ends for hands catches and runs up the field. Then let their defense start trying to put whatever number they need to put in the box. Then let’s show them just how big the field actually is. Allowing our YOUNG QUARTERBACK to play the game with his stong arm, intelligence and quick down the field judgement and PRECISION passing this will always beat most seasoned defensive backfields Defense is there, hopefully the front office and local fan support will provide the 12th man that hasn’t been to a Dolphin game in 10 years.