Heath Miller

[LesterLyles]

Over on the Jets board, we're doing some draft analysis and there is some interest in heath Miller. Many are worried that the Bengals represent the biggest threat of picking him b/f us. What is your take on him and the Bengals chances of taking him?

[oldschooler]

Over on the Jets board, we're doing some draft analysis and there is some interest in heath Miller.  Many are worried that the Bengals represent the biggest threat of picking him b/f us.  What is your take on him and the Bengals chances of taking him?

I don`t think the Bengals will take him.

They don`t use the TE enough to spend a 1st round pick on him.

And I don`t think he is worth a 1st round pick...he is the best rated

TE...but that isn`t saying much...I`d rather use a 1st round pick to

draft Matt Jones for a TE...

Kevin Everett or Jimmy St. Louis(Murray State) would be better

late round picks for the Bengals IMO.

Here is a list of TE prospects and their 40 times.

http://www.gbnreport.com/2005tes.htm

[membengal]

Over on the Jets board, we're doing some draft analysis and there is some interest in heath Miller. Many are worried that the Bengals represent the biggest threat of picking him b/f us. What is your take on him and the Bengals chances of taking him?

I would be very surprised to see Cincy take him at #17. That's just too high for him and ML would not appear to be in the mood to reach in the first round. Only way Bengals get him, IMO, is for them to trade down and him to still be on the board late in the first or early in the second.

[LesterLyles]

Over on the Jets board, we're doing some draft analysis and there is some interest in heath Miller.  Many are worried that the Bengals represent the biggest threat of picking him b/f us.  What is your take on him and the Bengals chances of taking him?

I would be very surprised to see Cincy take him at #17. That's just too high for him and ML would not appear to be in the mood to reach in the first round. Only way Bengals get him, IMO, is for them to trade down and him to still be on the board late in the first or early in the second.

Many of us on Jetsinsider just don't know what to make of him. He is a guy who is probably the best TE in ACC history, unanimous All America 2 years in a row. HE was UVA's offense. After the season he was a clear top 15 pick but now he has some medical issues and he didn't run a great 40. I agree 17 may be a bit high for this kid. I'm torn whether I want him at 26. Could be a huge factor in the Jets offense.

As for the Bengals, I would pick the best available front 7 guy on the board.

[membengal]

Over on the Jets board, we're doing some draft analysis and there is some interest in heath Miller.  Many are worried that the Bengals represent the biggest threat of picking him b/f us.  What is your take on him and the Bengals chances of taking him?

I would be very surprised to see Cincy take him at #17. That's just too high for him and ML would not appear to be in the mood to reach in the first round. Only way Bengals get him, IMO, is for them to trade down and him to still be on the board late in the first or early in the second.

Many of us on Jetsinsider just don't know what to make of him. He is a guy who is probably the best TE in ACC history, unanimous All America 2 years in a row. HE was UVA's offense. After the season he was a clear top 15 pick but now he has some medical issues and he didn't run a great 40. I agree 17 may be a bit high for this kid. I'm torn whether I want him at 26. Could be a huge factor in the Jets offense.

As for the Bengals, I would pick the best available front 7 guy on the board.

On the Jets, Miller would be a better fit down where they draft. Maybe part of my reticence is his sports hernia. After Perry, we are kind of sports hernia'd out in these parts.

David Pollack or Shamn Merriman or Thomas Davis or Mark Clayton at #17 would not upset me at all.

[schweinhart]

On the Jets, Miller would be a better fit down where they draft. Maybe part of my reticence is his sports hernia. After Perry, we are kind of sports hernia'd out in these parts.

Yup. Bengals fans should be all sports herniated out.

I like Miller but noticed his PT got cut w/ lack of passing QB at UVA. Great hands and route runner who the Jets should roll w/ at 26 if he's still there. Jags may look long at him at 21, though.

On a sidenote, both the Jets and Steelers contacted TE Alex Smith for a pre-draft conversation. The Lions and Bucs had Smith visit, which should mean Smith goes no later than 36 to the Bucs. If Miller should be gone by 26, I wouldn't be surprised to see Jets take Smith, who actually looks like the more complete package at TE anyway. Either would be a good complement with Chris Baker.

[LesterLyles]

On the Jets, Miller would be a better fit down where they draft. Maybe part of my reticence is his sports hernia. After Perry, we are kind of sports hernia'd out in these parts.

Yup. Bengals fans should be all sports herniated out.

I like Miller but noticed his PT got cut w/ lack of passing QB at UVA. Great hands and route runner who the Jets should roll w/ at 26 if he's still there. Jags may look long at him at 21, though.

On a sidenote, both the Jets and Steelers contacted TE Alex Smith for a pre-draft conversation. The Lions and Bucs had Smith visit, which should mean Smith goes no later than 36 to the Bucs. If Miller should be gone by 26, I wouldn't be surprised to see Jets take Smith, who actually looks like the more complete package at TE anyway. Either would be a good complement with Chris Baker.

I have heard Smith isn't much of a pass catcher which is what i would like. Still, allthough I couldn't wait for Becht to sign elsewhere, I do think the Jets will miss his blocking so perhaps a more blocking oriented TE who could maybe develop into a pass catching guy may just be what the doc ordered. Also, the Jets tend to use a FB (Sowell) as a receiving TE type anyway so I'm not sure if a pure receiving TE would be best for our system. We do have a new O-coordinator though so who knows what to think...I'm confusing myself as I write this post.

[Indycat]

Previously posted but worth repeating.

Yes Heath Miller is a good pick at 17

Last year there were way too many deep or dump plays on offense. There was no consistent 8-12 yard option. A quality TE will provide that option and Heath Miller is a quality TE.

excerpts from Scout Inc. ... Has rare hands and overall ball skills for a TE. Might have the most reliable hands of any TE and WR in this draft. ... Does an excellent job of finding windows for his quarterback. Has a rare knack for finding soft spots versus zone coverage. Is a crisp and sharp route runner that consistently gains separation versus man-to-man coverage. ... from 2002-'04, he started every game ... He was the leading receiver in the nation among tight ends as a sophomore in 2003 with 70 receptions for 835 yards

excerpts from Huddle Report ... He has leadership qualities and makes the players around him better. ... He is a franchise impact player with the talent and character to carry his team. ... Heath is a top ten talent and will get on the field and impact in his first year. ... In the red zone alone in his rookie year, he is good for 5 or 6 TD’s because of his WR skills.

Every mock draft I've seen has him going in the first round.

As far as the play calling argument, if we had a TE with Miller's skills we would use him.

For what it's worth, Mike Golic on ESPN draft preview show predicted Heath Miller as the offensive rookie of the year this year.

All that being said, what I'd like to see is a trade down with Seattle (they have 2 3rds and 2 4ths) get an extra 3rd and 4th and pick Heath with the 23 pick.

[chrishcovga]

I just don't see Miller having the impact that Heap,Gonzalez and Shockey had coming out of college. These guys were elite, combinations of size, speed, hands, and good football sense.

I think in Miller you get a very solid starter who lacks speed, but will make a lot catches. Very Average Blocker, but is consistent.

Alex Smith is just about in the same boat.

A pick for a tight end on day one is under valued unless we can grab Miller in round 2 !

[HairOnFire]

For what it's worth, Mike Golic on ESPN draft preview show predicted Heath Miller as the offensive rookie of the year this year.

I thought that was probably the weirdest analysis I've ever seen. For those that missed it here's a recap.

"Quality TE's are currently almost impossible to find, but the NFL has never had more great ones playing at the same time."

[Indycat]

I think in Miller you get a very solid starter

Something we haven't had around here in years.

There are only a couple exceptional possesion recievers in this years draft, Mike Williams and Heath Miller.

With Warrick out last year and uncertain for this year that need is magnified.

[andybren]

I'm sure this got posted somewhere else, but I thought I'd add it here...

From USAToday.com:

Arkansas QB Jones wows scouts with speed — as tight end

It wasn't just that Matt Jones, the former Arkansas quarterback in search of a new position, posted one of the best 40-yard times at the NFL's scouting combine. It was how Jones, projected as a tight end or wide receiver, blazed to an electronic clocking of 4.42 seconds.

"How about that guy?" Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden reflected. "Most guys get up there and take about five minutes to warm up and run. This guy walks up there, puts his hands down and just runs a 4.4. I saw all the scouts looking at each other, 'Did he just do that?' "

Jones (6-5, 239) will be one of the most impressive athletes up for grabs when the NFL's 70th draft begins Saturday. An erratic thrower who is poorly rated as a quarterback, Jones has had his stock soar at the weakest position in the draft, tight end.

According to NFLDraftScout.com, he's the second-rated tight end and has a chance to be a first-round pick. He's hoping to be like other former college quarterbacks and find a niche in the NFL at another position, including Pittsburgh Steelers receivers Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El and Tennessee Titans receiver Drew Bennett.

"It helps me out a lot, with those guys having such success," Jones said.

In three years at Arkansas, Jones estimates that he played about 20 plays at receiver. When he went to the Senior Bowl in January, he played receiver exclusively, impressing scouts with his soft hands, speed and agility.

Jones might make a quick impact as a receiving tight end but realizes he has much to learn about blocking techniques. "I've never done it before," he concedes. "I'll have to have someone totally teach it to me and see how I do."

It's always a gamble for teams to project a player at a position at which he is unproven. Yet it's a shot they are much more willing to try with a premier athlete such as Jones. No tight ends and two wideouts, Hampton's Jerome Mathis and South Carolina's Troy Williamson, had better 40 times at the combine.

Was Jones surprised by this? Probably not. Although his pre-combine time was projected at 4.65, he produced an impressive mark during training in February — the first time he was timed in the 40 since high school.

"They timed me at 4.41," he said, matter-of-factly. "But it was hand-held."

[schweinhart]

Over on the Jets board, we're doing some draft analysis and there is some interest in heath Miller. Many are worried that the Bengals represent the biggest threat of picking him b/f us. What is your take on him and the Bengals chances of taking him?

Looks like the greater chance now is the Deadskins taking Miller at #25. They got a decent H-back but nothing at TE and Miller would be a big boost to their receiving corps.

[Bobcat Bengal]

Those SOB's got the pick right in front of the Jets too.

[membengal]

Over on the Jets board, we're doing some draft analysis and there is some interest in heath Miller.  Many are worried that the Bengals represent the biggest threat of picking him b/f us.  What is your take on him and the Bengals chances of taking him?

Looks like the greater chance now is the Deadskins taking Miller at #25. They got a decent H-back but nothing at TE and Miller would be a big boost to their receiving corps.

All that's left to do is for the Jets to swap places with the Bengals in the first round for their second rounder, and they can have Heath Miller at #17. Lester, talk to your people and we will talk to our people and make this happen. That way, you don't have to worry about the Redskins snagging Miller right in front of you...

[LesterLyles]

Those SOB's got the pick right in front of the Jets too.

Those SOBs made one of the dumbest trades I have ever seen (no wonder they have been a terrible organization). Don't know what the Jets are thinking but I have to imagine if they really like Miller, they will move up a couple spots if they have to. Dpends on how the baord looks. Another reason I hate what the Skins did is that how do they know how the board will look? IMO, those type oftrades should be done on draft day, not days before.

[schweinhart]

It may work out all right for the Jets after all.......

QB Jason Campbell visited w/ Skins Tuesday and Pastabelly at ESPN has got the braincrust...er....braintrust of the Skins picking Campbell at 25. Whether Miller or Campbell (or anyone else at that point really) the Skins gave up a helluva lot.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Skins deal the pick to trade up from #9. They've had or are having visits from WRs Williams, Clayton, and Williamson and CBs PacMan, Rogers and Rolle. The Cardinals are looking like they'll go CB at #8 if they get the Shelton for Henry deal done, so Snyderbrenner might have to take Rogers or Williamson at 9 by default, which seems high for either to me.

[chrishcovga]

It may work out all right for the Jets after all.......

QB Jason Campbell visited w/ Skins Tuesday and Pastabelly at ESPN has got the braincrust...er....braintrust of the Skins picking Campbell at 25. Whether Miller or Campbell (or anyone else at that point really) the Skins gave up a helluva lot.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Skins deal the pick to trade up from #9. They've had or are having visits from WRs Williams, Clayton, and Williamson and CBs PacMan, Rogers and Rolle. The Cardinals are looking like they'll go CB at #8 if they get the Shelton for Henry deal done, so Snyderbrenner might have to take Rogers or Williamson at 9 by default, which seems high for either to me.

The real question to all of this is whether or not Miami takes Aaron Rodgers at # 2. If they pass, then I see Rodgers falling to the Redskins, and then the Skins can take a corner like M. Jackson, F. Washington, or J. Miller at # 25.

Miami has to make some type of a decent move, cause they resigned Sage Rosenfels as the backup to Feeley. They still have Fiedler on the roster, so until I hear otherwise, I think they still go running back. Plus they don't have a second, and would have to wait on a running back until the 3rd round at pick # 70.

[schweinhart]

It may work out all right for the Jets after all.......

QB Jason Campbell visited w/ Skins Tuesday and Pastabelly at ESPN has got the braincrust...er....braintrust of the Skins picking Campbell at 25. Whether Miller or Campbell (or anyone else at that point really) the Skins gave up a helluva lot.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Skins deal the pick to trade up from #9. They've had or are having visits from WRs Williams, Clayton, and Williamson and CBs PacMan, Rogers and Rolle. The Cardinals are looking like they'll go CB at #8 if they get the Shelton for Henry deal done, so Snyderbrenner might have to take Rogers or Williamson at 9 by default, which seems high for either to me.

The real question to all of this is whether or not Miami takes Aaron Rodgers at # 2. If they pass, then I see Rodgers falling to the Redskins, and then the Skins can take a corner like M. Jackson, F. Washington, or J. Miller at # 25.

Miami has to make some type of a decent move, cause they resigned Sage Rosenfels as the backup to Feeley. They still have Fiedler on the roster, so until I hear otherwise, I think they still go running back. Plus they don't have a second, and would have to wait on a running back until the 3rd round at pick # 70.

I got Rodgers falling to the Cowblows at #11. But Rodgers still has a good shot at going to Niners w/ 1st pick if Niners can't get Alex Smith signed in the next couple days. The Deadskins are gashed at CB and I'm guessing they pick one at 9 or higher if they trade.

I say the Fins pass on QB at 2 regardless but would very tempted if Smith don't go numero uno. Fiedler signed w/ Jets already and the Fins did sign the almighty striped-ex Gus Ferrotte. But Feeley, Ferrotte, and Rosenfels? They can't think their future is in that bunch.

[HairOnFire]

QB Jason Campbell visited w/ Skins Tuesday and Pastabelly at ESPN has got the braincrust...er....braintrust of the Skins picking Campbell at 25. Whether Miller or Campbell (or anyone else at that point really) the Skins gave up a helluva lot.

It's got to be Campbell, doesn't it? I can't imagine any team giving up that much for any position other than QB.

[Bobcat Bengal]

I wonder what Lester thinks now since they nabbed Jolley?

[LesterLyles]

Well, the most important thing is that we filled the receiving TE need. Bradway indicated they had Jolley slightly above Heath. I probably would have preferred Heath a bit simply becasue there is a chance he could be great while Jolley, who I like, is what he is...good with the potential to be very good. W/ thatbeing said. I'd probably take Jolley and the #47 and 2 6s for Heath and that is essentially what the deal was.

[schweinhart]

QB Jason Campbell visited w/ Skins Tuesday and Pastabelly at ESPN has got the braincrust...er....braintrust of the Skins picking Campbell at 25. Whether Miller or Campbell (or anyone else at that point really) the Skins gave up a helluva lot.

It's got to be Campbell, doesn't it? I can't imagine any team giving up that much for any position other than QB.

Who knows with the Deadskins braincrust

All the buzz points to them taking Campbell. But wouldn't it be a kick if it turned out they gave all that up for Heath Miller

It did strike me as a strange coincidence that the Jets dumped their 1st rd pick pretty much the next day.