20/20 Interview with Ryan Miller
This week writer and ranker, Ryan Miller, participated in our weekly 20/20. Be sure to give it a read. Enjoy!
Where are you from?
I’ve lived in Raleigh, NC my entire life. My dad was a Quarterback for UNC back in the day, but I bleed red with the Wolfpack now!
What do you do for your regular job?
I will be starting as an auditor in December 2020. In the meantime, I am keeping my spreadsheet skills sharp with as much fantasy content as I can keep up with
What is the worst job you have ever had?
I’ve been blessed not to have any job thought of as my “worst” thankfully! But my first job in high school was working at a kiosk in the mall, begging people to sample sausages, cheeses, mustards, and crackers. Considering the mall was basically out of business, it made for some AWFULLY long (and spooky) night shifts…
What is the best job you have ever had?
This. Hands down. While nothing I’ve produced comes close to the tear I was on last summer (90 threads in 90 days, I believe?) due to graduate school and getting married, if I were ever to be able to do this gig and really go all in, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
What do you consider your dream job?
See above. As a backup, I’d love to be the general manager and/or chief analytics director of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How long have you been in the industry?
I created my first database in March 2019, and I haven’t woken up yet.
How did you get your break into fantasy football?
I applied to be a writer at DLF in February 2019 on a whim, and in my submission I said “not really interested in being a writer necessarily, but I would love to combine my analytics expertise and love for fantasy football as an assistant to your writers.” I used to write a massive season preview for my league mates (it was 67 pages!), so I attached one for them to preview and next thing I knew I ended up as a writer for DLF!
What tool do you use the most on DLF?
The trade analyzer/myDLF tool is my most used by far. I am the one league member who is never settled with my roster, and the functionality of myDLF to plug in someone’s exact roster to pick and choose from is such a luxury.
What tool do you use the most outside of DLF?
It’s new, but the Fantasy Points Generator from the guys over at Fantasy Points looks to be something really special by the time next draft season rolls around.
Who was the best sleeper you pegged that broke out?
Patrick Mahomes. As soon as I saw Kansas City get away with the steal of the draft, I have said he will walk away as one of the top three quarterbacks of all time. I’m also proud of going all in on Austin Ekeler and DK Metcalf last offseason as well, back when everyone was propping up Melvin Gordon and Tyler Lockett for dominant years.
Who was your biggest whiff?
Dede Westbrook as a rising WR value heading into the 2019-20 season. My analysis was centered around his ability to break out with Foles (who broke his collarbone week 1), but STILL, for the expectations I had for him, it was quite the whiff regardless of who was behind center.
What is the worst trade you have made?
I traded George Kittle for Jonnu Smith and Preston Brown in 2017. Jonnu has had a nice start to 2020….but George Kittle! Come on.
Who is your favorite underfollowed Twitter account?
@DavidZach16 has been grinding away and is a genuinely good person. Well deserving of a shout out!
Who is your favorite NFL team?
Pittsburgh Steelers. #StairwayToSeven
Who is your favorite college football team?
NC State Wolfpack….the NFL’s QB U. (sorry, Dad)
Who was your favorite player growing up?
Hines Ward was built differently. Watching him seal the deal for my Steelers against Seattle in the first Super Bowl I witnessed my team win instantly cements him in my mind.
Who is your favorite player of all time?
Purely speaking as a fan (not even Steelers bias), the most mesmerizing to watch has always been Antonio Brown to me. I hate how his last three years have gone, but man, before that he was just five levels above everyone else.
What other hobbies or passions do you have outside of fantasy football?
I love playing golf with my wife when we get the chance, as well as going for walks to help clear my mind.
What are some of your favorite movies?
The Prestige, A Quiet Place, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Quite the selection there.
Who are some of your favorite bands?
The Killers, John Mayer, and The Beatles.
