Redskins 2019 NFL Draft top twenty edge rusher big board

Christian Miller is a popular choice for the Redskins in the second round of many mock drafts. He’s an edge rusher, which the Redskins need. He brings some starting potential, which the Redskins need. And he has that Alabama pedigree, which the Redskins might not need, but certainly want.

For the Redskins, Miller would be a fine second-round pick, but he’s not necessarily a steal in the making. There are holes in Miller’s game, and ways in which he can improve his game, and become more well-rounded.

Physically, Miller checks a good amount of boxes. He’s a bit undersized at around 6-foot-3, 240, but he has incredible length, proportional to his height, and he’s a good athlete. He has the bend that many scouts covet from their edge rushers, thus heightening his upside as a pass rusher. Miller is fairly nuanced as well, possessing a clear knowledge of how to win in the trenches.

While Miller has some very appealing traits, he has a good amount to work on as well. His burst off the line is less than stellar, and his inability to cultivate leverage early can cause his undersized frame to be easily handled by bigger offensive linemen. Miller generally lacks functional strength, and while he can use his length to create leverage, his lacking strength shows up more than one would like on tape.

If Miller can add more strength to his game, then he can supplement his lack of burst and become a factor on all three downs. But until that point, he’s a pass rush specialist who has the length and bend to thrive only in certain situations. The upside, with the mentality, is there to develop, however, if the Redskins are willing to take the risk.