Denver Broncos: 5 Reasons Von Miller Was a Reach and a Risk in 2011 NFL Draft
Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller was largely considered the best outside linebacker prospect in the 2011 NFL draft class. The Denver Broncos pounced on him with the second overall pick in the draft for his athletic ability.
No one doubts that Miller is a highly talented prospect. One lingering doubt, though, is his ability to play in a 4-3. Most of his Saturdays in college were spent harassing the quarterback. He has a natural ability to rush the passer, and though that's in the job description, it's not what he's asked to do most frequently.
Here are my biggest reasons why Miller was a wasted pick.
Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda & Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @erikfrenz.
Patrick Peterson Was Still on the Board
1 of 6
With the second coming of Champ Bailey staring them in the face, and with uncertainty around Bailey's future with the team, the Broncos had the opportunity and the reasoning to go with LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.
He proved at the combine that he's one of the best physical specimens at cornerback in the draft in recent memory. With seven interceptions on his career, and four last year, it's clear he has the ball skills, too.
I can't think of too many good reasons to pass on Patrick Peterson. Of course, his career could prove me completely wrong.
Marcell Dareus Was Still on the Board
2 of 6
There's no better building block for a defensive scheme than linemen. Marcell Dareus was a disruptive force in the middle of Alabama's defense, and would be thus in Denver's 4-3. He's more of a run defending defensive tackle, but is fully capable of rushing the passer as well.
The Detroit Lions proved just last year the type of impact a dominant defensive tackle can have on a defense. Though it's rare for a defensive tackle to bring that kind of impact, Dareus is a rare product at the position. He had 66 tackles, 20 for loss and 10.5 sacks in the past two years at Alabama.
This could be another scenario where his career could prove me wrong, but fundamentally speaking, an interior defensive linemen is a much better top five pick than an outside linebacker, especially in a 4-3.
Still Not Contending in the Division
3 of 6
I'll hearken back to the two previous slides for a minute. Two run-heavy teams like the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs must be jumping for joy that the Broncos passed on Marcell Dareus. Likewise, a pass-happy team like the San Diego Chargers must be thrilled that the Broncos didn't take Patrick Peterson.
Of course, asking any team to quickly go from the bottom of the barrel to the creme of the crop
If the Broncos wanted to quickly change their fortunes in the division, adding Miller wasn't the smartest move they could have made.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Neutralizing His Biggest Strength
4 of 6
At Texas A&M, Von Miller played rush outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense. He was consistently allowed to fly at the quarterback to hurry the throw.
His biggest strength, rushing the passer, is neutralized simply by playing in a 4-3. Outside linebackers don't get to rush the passer as frequently in that front as they do in the 3-4.
The only way the Broncos would be able to maximize his pass-rushing abilities would be to blitz him virtually every down. And at that point, is it even worth it?
Exposing His Biggest Weakness
5 of 6
Whether it's a result of him rushing the passer so frequently at Texas A&M or a circumstance of it, the fact remains that Miller's biggest weakness is in coverage. That's not to say he's a liability, but it's where he needs the most work. Incidentally, that is also what he'll be doing the most of in Denver.
It just seems odd that the Broncos would target a linebacker who seems like he would absolutely be a better fit in a 3-4 than a 4-3.
Prove Me Wrong
6 of 6
Of course, Von Miller will have the biggest impact on his own career. He could completely prove me wrong and prove to be one of the best outside linebackers in the league.
Some will say that the 4-3 is a more comfortable fit for most players, and they're probably right. It's just too strange to me that a 4-3 defensive team drafted Von Miller and essentially neutered him of his pass rush potency. He'll rarely have an opportunity to get the leash off and go after the quarterback like he did so many times at Texas A&M.
Athletically, he has some of the best upside of any linebacker to come out of the draft in recent memory. Even if he isn't used to rush the passer, he could very well have a solid impact in other areas. Don't count me among those who are terribly confident.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
