HBCU Linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. Would Give the Commanders Superb Versatility

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2023 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Aubrey Miller Jr., Linebacker

School: Jackson State University | Conference: Southwestern Athletic

College Experience: 5^th Year Senior | Age: 24 (Week 1)

Height / Weight: 6’2”, 225 lbs

Projected Draft Status: 5th-6th Round

2022 Awards: All-SWAC and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year

Player Overview

Aubrey Miller Jr. began his college football career at the University of Missouri, but he had an uphill climb with the Tigers’ depth chart and transferred after two years. Jackson State and then head coach Deion Sanders had a place for him and Miller’s impact was immediate. He became one of the best defensive players in the SWAC and a true NFL prospect in 2022.

A likely day three pick in the draft, Miller was a highly decorated high school player from Memphis, TN. After his stint at Missouri, Miller became a defensive force at Jackson State and NFL scouts began to take notice. HBCU athletes have garnered plenty of recognition in recent years and Aubrey Miller Jr. is the latest player to receive such attention – it is well deserved.

Strengths

• Plays with a high-energy motor and a laser-like focus on every play.
• Supremely confident in his skills and is able to dissect offensive plays almost instantly
• Takes pride in delivering bone-crushing hits and is able to successfully engage bigger offensive linemen routinely
• He is an effective blitzer and shoots the gaps with ease
• A solid MIKE and WILL linebacker, but can also be a hybrid type of linebacker/safety if asked to do so
• Limits running backs in the box and receivers/tight ends on hook routes, over the middle, and quick slants
• A superb quarterback spy when tasked to do so and a special teams ace

Weaknesses

• Inability to produce at a Power Five program
• Struggles against linemen that pull or linemen that reach the second level
• Tendency to freelance a bit too much
• Occasionally takes poor angles in open space or will over-pursue
• Lack of straight-line speed on intermediate routes

Let’s See His Work

How he fits on the Commanders

Over the last two years, Aubrey Miller Jr. has been a force on the football field and he has transformed himself into a determined and talented prospect. Miller will undoubtedly be on an NFL roster this fall and he could provide the Commanders with superb depth at linebacker and special teams. He has a lot to learn and his greatest assets are a positive mental attitude, being a team leader, and maturity. Look for this HBCU star to have a long and profitable career in the league.