Position: Linebacker
School: Jackson State
Year: Senior
Measurable: 6’2 225 pounds
Player Overview
The heart and sole of the Jackson State defense in 2022 and overall leader of the team was linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. The 6’2 linebacker put up big numbers in 2021 and 2022. Miller recorded 109 tackles, with 53 being solo, 1 force fumble, and recovery in 2021. In 2022, Miller would record 117 tackles, with 63 being solo, 5 force fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
In his 2-years at Jackson State, Aubrey Miller made the 1st-team All-SWAC and became the best linebacker in the conference.
Evaluation:
Aubrey Miller Jr. is an old-school middle linebacker. Very downhill big hitter with great explosion that can force fumbles when he makes contact. Miller Jr. is a sure as it gets when making tackles. Moves well as an in the box type of linebacker and can be an anchor in the middle for any defense. Miller Jr. displays great closing speed when blitzing the gaps. However, Miller Jr. can become a liability if misses the gap or freelances. Although Miller Jr. can get around linemen coming at him from a side angle, he can get blocked in when a lineman gets inside to his chest.
Nonetheless, in todays game linebackers have to be able to change directions quickly, defend the pass well, and be an old school tackler. Miller Jr. isn’t the greatest when it comes covering the pass or changing directions. But, equally important is that Aubrey Miller Jr. is coachable.
At the Senior Bowl, Miller Jr. one the day and a few of the coaches over as well. Coaches spoke on his work ethic, leadership, and positive qualities that makes him a good fit for their team. Reminds me of a taller Denzel Perryman. Perryman was drafted in the 2nd round to the Chargers out of Miami.
At the time, Perryman was considered an old-school linebacker coming out of college when the league was beginning to transition to a more athletic style linebacker.
Draft Projection: 4th-6th round
NFL Comparison: Denzel Perryman
Best Fit: Patriots