Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Update: Anthony Miller, WR CHI

Doug Green Posted On May 19, 2018

Editor’s Note: To help you dominate your rookie drafts, this series will feature a look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of over 40 dynasty rookie draft prospects and run all through the month of May and even into June. We’ll cover all the premier prospects but also give you critical information on some of the lesser known talents. All of these rookie updates will be loaded into our ever-evolving 2018 Rookie Draft Guide – the ultimate resource for dynasty enthusiasts all over the world.

Name: Anthony Miller

Position: Wide receiver

Pro team: Chicago Bears

College team: Memphis

Draft status: Round two, 51st overall

Video Highlights

Combine Review

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Height: 5’11″
Weight: 201 pounds
Arms: 31.625”
Hands: 10.625”
Bench press: 22 reps

STRENGTHS

Miller is ‘strong like bear’, as his second-best 22 reps in the bench press during the NFL Combine can attest. He can out-muscle defensive backs for the ball using that strength to push, pull and drag defenders to where he wants them to go, usually out of his way.

Be sure to keep checking our Complete Dynasty Rookie Rankings for constantly updated rookie values!

You also see his strength in the run game, as he is more than capable blocker. While that may not bring you fantasy points directly, the ability to stay on the field during running plays lead to more reps and more reps lead to more targets, and thus, more points.

His other major strength is his ability to high-point the football. Couple that with his strength, and Miller is a dangerous weapon in the red zone. He may not be 6-foot-4, but he can jump well enough to come down with the score.

WEAKNESSES

He may be strong, but he doesn’t have great hands. Miller can let a few easy ones get away from him, especially early on in the game. It wasn’t uncommon for Memphis to throw him a tunnel screen on the first series to get him going. By the fourth quarter, Miller was locked in.

Miller is also not a blazer. He did not run a 40-yard dash at the Combine probably because he knew that number wouldn’t be great. That’s not his game though. He works the middle of the field and beats up defensive backs instead of outrunning them.

OPPORTUNITIES

The Bears traded back into the second round to take Miller, so he’s going to get every opportunity. Clearly, the plan was to pair Mitchell Trubisky with a young receiver and let them grow up together. Miller plays his best ball out of the slot and he might split some reps with free agent signee Taylor Gabriel. Those two will most likely flip-flop, with Miller moving outside on those downs.

THREATS

This is a joke, right? Did you see that Chicago receiving corps last year? My dog was better than the WR3 on that roster. Miller slots into the third receiver spot and could be the number two by end of camp with a strong showing. The only real threat could be if Miller falls flat on his face and Kevin White pulls a Lazarus-level comeback. If that was the case, he might lose snaps, but the Bears didn’t pick up White’s fifth-year option so he’s probably gone after this season.

SHORT-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Miller is going to get snaps and targets, but he’s not winning you any leagues. Watching his tape, it was clear to me that Memphis runs an offense similar to what new coach Matt Nagy is going to be running. You could see where Miller fits into the offense and where his strengths lie. He ran plenty of post and ‘sluggo’ routes and that’s where he’ll win in the NFL. He has good body control, plus that outstanding strength will make those routes where he can throw off the defender and go his bread and butter.

As much enthusiasm as I have for the Bears and their offense, I still have to temper my expectations for Miller, especially in year one. He will have some drops. He has a second-year quarterback who as started around 25 games in two years. Allen Robinson will be the primary option and the best way to protect a young quarterback is with a strong running game. Those elements will hold down Miller’s production in the first year.

LONG-TERM EXPECTATIONS

There was a reason I asked Pete Howard to let me write this. There are a few things that bring a smile to my face. Puppies, Anthony Rizzo homers, and the thought of the Bears future. Miller will be a big piece of that.

Between Robinson, Miller and the potential growth of Trubisky, the future looks bright. Miller should be the Bears’ primary red zone threat for years to come. He plays his best in the fourth quarter and in big spots, which should provide some adrenaline along with those PPR points.

NFL COMPARISON

When I look at Anthony Miller, I see a smaller version of Anquan Boldin, with a little better ball skills in the air. Boldin would beat the snot out of the defensive back, throw them off like a dirty shirt, then make the catch. Miller does the same thing. He’ll man-handle someone on the inside, discard them, the cross the quarterback’s face for a pickup over the middle. It’s fun to watch really.

PROJECTED RANGE FOR ROOKIE DRAFTS

Miller has been going in mocks from the 1.07 on, depending on the region you live in. If you’re in Bears territory like I am, expect to have to go up to the 1.06-1.08 range. Outside the Midwest, you may be able to land him 1.09 or later. This draft season is kind of dealer’s choice at wide receiver, so his range will depend on your league mates.

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