Lamar Miller--Why is no one talking about him? (1 Viewer)

[ohforpetessake]

With Daniel Thomas concussed, does Miller have any value going forward? Yes, Miami's offense is probably going to be unimpressive this year (although I don't think last week against Houston is going to be the benchmark), but Miller is certainly as talented as Thomas, and Reggie Bush will not likely be used as a full-time running back. Thomas went drafted in most of the leagues I play in, and RB is so shallow this year, so why is this not a nice bump for Miller?

Am I missing something?

 

[Shutout]

My guess is (and I'm not the expert on all things Dolphins) is that he would have much more buzz if Reggie Bush had a concussion because he's mouch more likely to fill that role than the Thomas role. Also, Thomas was pretty much an after-thought in fantasy going into the season so its one of those things like "who cares if the Cardinals slot receiver goes down...that position was giving us nothing to start with so the replacement isn't that big a deal either."

 

[kencav]

I think the OP is on to something here .

Miller is the only explosive playmaker on this team and they are obviously going no where. Thomas cant stay healthy and cant sustain offense. Bush has a checkered injury history as well.

 

[Warpig]

He's Reggie Bush 2.0 lite. Maybe a little Dexter McCluster even. Nothing to see here.

 

[kencav]

He's Reggie Bush 2.0 lite. Maybe a little Dexter McCluster even. Nothing to see here.

Nice analysis pigMiller 5-10 218......Bush 6-0 208......may want to back up those thoughts with some facts.And hes a tad bit bigger than McCluster.

 

[Jewell]

Also, Thomas was pretty much an after-thought in fantasy going into the season so its one of those things like "who cares if the Cardinals slot receiver goes down...that position was giving us nothing to start with so the replacement isn't that big a deal either."

I agree with this for the most part. With that said, I had Danial Thomas on my roster and just dropped him for Lamar Miller. It's a league with deep benches so you might as well carry a RB like Thomas who'll get some carries and the chance to start should the historically fragile starter in front of him go down. The remaining RBs on the the waiver wire are true dregs. Miller cost me $1 in my auction league. I figure $1 is nothing and worth it in the off chance he flashes this weekend. He'll be worth a good bit more next week should that happen given the lack of quality available backs.

I probably wouldn't have made the transaction, though, in a non-auction league where I had to give up waiver priority.

 

[rickyg]

Matt Waldman ranked Miller as the 3rd best running back in this rookie class behind trich and doug martin, and ahead of david wilson. He is very high on him. Miller slid to the 4th rd of the draft bc of a shoulder injury. Before that concern he was projected as a first round pick by many. The problem with miller I think is that he came out of college a little too early and he maybe could have benefited from another year in college before going into the draft. He is the youngest player on the Dolphins roster and up there with the youngest in the nfl. His pass pro needs work. He didnt light the league on fire in his limited preseason action.

Personally I think he has the chance to be an awesome NFL back but he's sort of a project for the Dolphins. I do agree that since they are basically throwing this year to the wolves in a total rebuild, they should give him a shot to show what he is made of by giving him 5-7 carries per game and more if he shows some moxy as the season wears on. I own him in my dynasty league...passed on hillman to grab him as I think he has a better chance than hillman to be an every down back with his skillset.

 

[foxco]

I think the OP is on to something here . Miller is the only explosive playmaker on this team and they are obviously going no where. Thomas cant stay healthy and cant sustain offense. Bush has a checkered injury history as well.

You're leaving out Reggie Bush, the "other" explosive playmaker on this team.

 

[oPlaiD]

Miller has lots of value next season, when Reggie Bush is gone from Miami.

This season he's just a bet on a Reggie Bush injury. That isn't necessarily a BAD bet, depending on what you pay for Miller, but as long as Reggie is healthy Miller isn't going to be startable.

 

[tdhartis]

I picked him up after waivers cleared yesterday and gave up Taiwan Jones in the process. He should get some action this weekend, and in the rare chance he shows some explosive play making ability he could become the WW RB of next week and I figure he is worth the stash. Worst case scenario he shows nothing, Thomas returns, and I'm no worse off. I'll take that chance.

I saw him a few times last year while at the U, and if you watch his highlight reel he definitely passes the eye test. The combine had him at 5"11 & 212 pounds which actually isn't that far off from 6"0 & 208lbs, although I don't agree with the comparison. Bush is one of the most injury prone players in the league and I think there's a very high likelihood he doesn't make it through the first half of the season unscathed. I like the play and would really love to hear others input on Miller. With the lack of depth and loading up on handcuffs he seems like one of the best lotto ticket RBs out there.

 

[Drop]

I would keep on eye on how Bush is being used. If Bush is lining up at WR and Lamar Miller comes in as the RB it could prove to be the Dolphins best package on the field. I don't think that Daniel Thomas is very good, plus he fumbled last week and really hasn't been impressive ever in the NFL. Lamar Miller runs hard inside and has track speed and some juke moves to go with it so I think that if he gets some carries he could spring a big run or two and take that job provided that Reggie Bush plays more of a utility RB/WR role which is probably what he is best suited for as it is.

Lamar Miller is 5-10 218, so he's not like the 4.4 speed 200lbs guys that become the trendy sleepers with no real shot at carrying an NFL workload. The opportunity situation in Miami is cloudy, but I think he has a big talent edge on Thomas and Bush is a unique player who has coexisted with other productive RBs in the past. Why he isn't playing more already I do not know, but perhaps:

"Miller’s effort as a blocker is not good enough. He will deliver a punch, and he has skill at getting the correct angle to make a block. But he does not sustain the contact and work hard enough to maintain that position. Miller diagnoses blocks effectively, but he has to do better with his cut blocking. He drops his head too early. As a run blocker, he seems more worried about getting hit from behind or hurt in the act of blocking than helping his teammates make plays." -Matt Waldman (http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/09/lamar-miller-third-ranked-running-back-in-2012-draft/)

I have only seen highlight videos of Miller so I can't really comment on his complete game, but Waldman watches a ton of film and knows what he is talking about. It's comforting to know that Waldman feels he diagnoses blocks effectively, as apposed to not understanding like I think Beanie Wells is guilty of.

Waldman also states in that article:

"I can see the Portis comparisons because Miller has game-breaking speed, explosive lateral agility and enough downhill power and balance to generate big plays in multiple ways. The difference is that Miller makes running the football look easier than Portis did in college, and I think it might be part of the perception that his effort isn’t always there when in fact, he’s just more graceful than people realize."

I think the difference is that Portis ran lower to the ground, but Miller certainly has similar physical tools. Portis was slept on a bit coming out of college too. William Green and TJ Duckett were the percieved cream of that RB crop.

 

[RavenLunatic]

I grabbed him also. Pre-emptive pickup as my RB6. Waiting for Ryan Mathews to return and my RB2 is a work in progress so I'd rather sit on potential for bit and see how things shake out.

Better a week early.

 

[Pipes]

With Daniel Thomas concussed, does Miller have any value going forward? Yes, Miami's offense is probably going to be unimpressive this year (although I don't think last week against Houston is going to be the benchmark), but Miller is certainly as talented as Thomas, and Reggie Bush will not likely be used as a full-time running back. Thomas went drafted in most of the leagues I play in, and RB is so shallow this year, so why is this not a nice bump for Miller?Am I missing something?

I think you're missing that he's the backup RB on one of the worst teams in the NFL...not exactly a recipe for fantasy success. Miller does have some long term potential I don't see him being a factor in the immediate future.

 

[Purple_King]

You mean other then being a back up already to Reggie Bush? Bush stayed healthy for all of last season last year so it's not impossible that he'll be injury free again. Also, I just find it hard that a rookie will supplant Reggie this season. Maybe next year he'll be worth it, but not this season.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

He's Reggie Bush 2.0 lite. Maybe a little Dexter McCluster even. Nothing to see here.

Totally wrong. no offense Warpig but if you have seen this guy at UM, that's just not a fair comparison not even close.

 

[Diamond]

Bush stayed healthy for all of last season last year

Technically, he didn't. Bush was out week 17 with a knee. This after getting 20+ carries in week 15 and 16. The only other 20+ carry game he had all year was week 13. They try to give Bush the whole workload and chances are he will break down. 20+ touches fine, 20+ carries, hello Lamar Miller.

 

[Mortimer Ichabod]

Waldman has been off plenty of times. Peerman as the #2 back in his class. Bilal Powell over DeMarco Murray.

Lamar Miller reminds me of Tatum Bell more than anyone. Great straight line speed but little in the way of lateral quickness.

 

[ohforpetessake]

With Daniel Thomas concussed, does Miller have any value going forward? Yes, Miami's offense is probably going to be unimpressive this year (although I don't think last week against Houston is going to be the benchmark), but Miller is certainly as talented as Thomas, and Reggie Bush will not likely be used as a full-time running back. Thomas went drafted in most of the leagues I play in, and RB is so shallow this year, so why is this not a nice bump for Miller?Am I missing something?

I think you're missing that he's the backup RB on one of the worst teams in the NFL...not exactly a recipe for fantasy success. Miller does have some long term potential I don't see him being a factor in the immediate future.

I'm not missing that at all. I stated it in my post above. I don't think Lamar Miller is going to blow up this year, but running back is incredibly shallow, and if I can find a guy who might be a solid RB2 for several weeks of the year, I think that's a pretty good find.If you take away Daniel Thomas (and with his fumble and concussion and poor first season, he may have already done that himself), Lamar Miller is going to be in a somewhat similar situation to David Wilson. Before you jump all over that statement, it is not identical. Ahmad Bradshaw and Reggie Bush are not the same kinds of talents, Miami and New York are not the same kinds of offenses, etc. etc. The situations are similar in that both of the backups are talented running backs, and both of the veterans are prone to injury. Wilson and Miller will both get touches week to week, and barring an injury I think Wilson has the better chance to supplant Bradshaw than Miller does Bush, but if Miller flashes, he might start to carve out some time for himself. If Bush goes down, he might end up being a solid RB2.

 

[Lavachebeadsman]

Better a few weeks early than a week late. Picked him up based on what I read in this thread.

 

[ShaHBucks]

He's definitely the Bush handcuff, I don't care for Thomas. If he was starting he'd be a top 20 back but he isn't Reggie Bush 2.0. Thread made me think about actually using my last roster spot on Miller in my leagues w Bush.

 

[MAC_32]

My guess is (and I'm not the expert on all things Dolphins) is that he would have much more buzz if Reggie Bush had a concussion because he's mouch more likely to fill that role than the Thomas role. Also, Thomas was pretty much an after-thought in fantasy going into the season so its one of those things like "who cares if the Cardinals slot receiver goes down...that position was giving us nothing to start with so the replacement isn't that big a deal either."

He's not available in dyno's and except in deep redrafts he's waiver fodder. Save the fight for him until Reggie gets hurt.

 

[theprince]

He's not startable in FF, but excited to see him play tomorrow

 

[tombonneau]

He's not startable in FF, but excited to see him play tomorrow

Agree he's not startable now but thanks to op for putting miller back on my radar. As bush owner I picked him up as handcuff in deep 14 team league. Feeling much better now with bush as my rb2. I too am excited to see miller play. I don't think he's really worth rostering as lotto ticket unless you have bush but he's one of the more intriguing rbs sitting out there on the wire. Thanks again to op for this as I'd forgotten about miller and really wasn't paying much attention to thomas injury

 

[cpd90]

Really considering dropping Jon Baldwin for him just out of anticipation of an increased role and/or Bush injury. I'm a Dolphins homer. Talk me out of it.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Watched some tape, looks like he's oozing upside. Not sure if I should make the preemptive stash..

Is Bush really going to hold up for a full 16 again? What are the odds I wonder.

 

[yankdog]

I like Miller but don't drop Jon Baldwin for him if this is a dynasty league

 

[cpd90]

I like Miller but don't drop Jon Baldwin for him if this is a dynasty league

Not dynasty, keeper, but unlikely that either would be on my keeper radar save a massive breakout

 

[tombonneau]

Props again to OP. He'll likely be added to many teams this week glad I got the handcuff in early. Just wish I had started Bush!

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

 

[mbuehner]

Waldman has been off plenty of times. Peerman as the #2 back in his class. Bilal Powell over DeMarco Murray.

Lamar Miller reminds me of Tatum Bell more than anyone. Great straight line speed but little in the way of lateral quickness.

Link

 

[ShaHBucks]

Just to say it again. Nobody is Reggie Bush 2.0

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Buy while you still can...

 

[FF Ninja]

Waldman has been off plenty of times. Peerman as the #2 back in his class. Bilal Powell over DeMarco Murray.

Lamar Miller reminds me of Tatum Bell more than anyone. Great straight line speed but little in the way of lateral quickness.

Link

Epitome of garbage time?

 

[mbuehner]

Waldman has been off plenty of times. Peerman as the #2 back in his class. Bilal Powell over DeMarco Murray.

Lamar Miller reminds me of Tatum Bell more than anyone. Great straight line speed but little in the way of lateral quickness.

Link

Epitome of garbage time?

Does garbage time enhance a running back's ability to jump cut, change directions again, and accelerate to the endzone? Forget what the defense is doing, look at what Miller's body is doing. Thats a big time move.I've heard scouts have said that Miller gets underrated because he's very smooth in his motions, which makes it look like he's not trying very hard or moving as fast as he is. Anybody that doesn't think Lamar Miller has lateral quickness is going to be in for a shock.

 

[Franknbeans]

I did in the Deep Waiver Wire Rbs thread ...

Lamar millerThomas has been concussed. Does anyone think Bush will hold up another season? I don't.

 

[ohforpetessake]

Props again to OP. He'll likely be added to many teams this week glad I got the handcuff in early. Just wish I had started Bush!

 

[jurb26]

Waldman has been off plenty of times. Peerman as the #2 back in his class. Bilal Powell over DeMarco Murray.

Lamar Miller reminds me of Tatum Bell more than anyone. Great straight line speed but little in the way of lateral quickness.

Link

Epitome of garbage time?

Does garbage time enhance a running back's ability to jump cut, change directions again, and accelerate to the endzone? Forget what the defense is doing, look at what Miller's body is doing. Thats a big time move.I've heard scouts have said that Miller gets underrated because he's very smooth in his motions, which makes it look like he's not trying very hard or moving as fast as he is. Anybody that doesn't think Lamar Miller has lateral quickness is going to be in for a shock.

As a guy who was a big supporter of Millers all of last year and this offseason, of course I agree! I felt he was the 2nd best RB in this draft. His plumit had me really wondering what I had missed though. Is the shoulder still a major concern? Why was he not even dressed until this week after an injury gave him an opening?

 

[Captain Hook]

I started him in one of the two lineup leagues I have him in - wish I had started him in the other one but that may happen in some games going forward ...... also have him in two best ball leagues and he scored in one of those

 

[theprince]

He did make it look easy, but the Raiders were horrible. Let's see how he does against NYJ

 

[Drop]

The week 2 Lamar Miller touchdown was not in garbage time. 5+ minutes left in a 2 score game, opponent has all 3 timeouts. He also had nice runs much earlier in the game.

I don't think that Miller is so smooth in his motions that he makes it look easy to the point of being underrated by scouts, his steps look a bit heavy and powerful at times to me. It's not like his steps are so springy that he looks like DeSean Jackson.

 

[Louisville Slugger]

I like him much better than Thomas, but his skill set is very similar to Reggie Bush's. What (if any) is his role going to be this season?

 

[plymkr]

He looks like a good sleeper to have on your bench if you have the room. RBs in short supply in my league. Thinking about dropping DHB for him. I can't see Reggie lasting the whole year w a bills eye on his back. What do u guys think? Could this be lightning in a bottle?

 

[Rick James]

Dropping Shane Vereen for him.

 

[tombonneau]

I like him much better than Thomas, but his skill set is very similar to Reggie Bush's. What (if any) is his role going to be this season?

Depending on league size, roster limits etc. I see him only rosterable as Bush handcuff.

 

[MAC_32]

I really hope you guys are in crazy-deep leagues, love him in dyno but this year he's worthless as long as Reggie is healthy.

 

[BearsFan4Life]

I like him much better than Thomas, but his skill set is very similar to Reggie Bush's. What (if any) is his role going to be this season?

Depending on league size, roster limits etc. I see him only rosterable as Bush handcuff.

14 Team 20 Man DynastyI grabbed him and dropped my 2nd Defense ..worth the flyer

 

[zed2283]

I like him much better than Thomas, but his skill set is very similar to Reggie Bush's. What (if any) is his role going to be this season?

Depending on league size, roster limits etc. I see him only rosterable as Bush handcuff.

14 Team 20 Man DynastyI grabbed him and dropped my 2nd Defense ..worth the flyer

Nobody drafted him in your dynasty league?

 

[Captain Hook]

I really hope you guys are in crazy-deep leagues, love him in dyno but this year he's worthless as long as Reggie is healthy.

Not so much - scored 12.5 points last weekCertainly playable as RB3/Flex maybe even RB2 in a bye week or against a team with really poor run defense

 

[MAC_32]

I like him much better than Thomas, but his skill set is very similar to Reggie Bush's. What (if any) is his role going to be this season?

Depending on league size, roster limits etc. I see him only rosterable as Bush handcuff.

14 Team 20 Man DynastyI grabbed him and dropped my 2nd Defense ..worth the flyer

Nobody drafted him in your dynasty league?

Pick 1.12 in my rookie draft.Absolutely must be rostered in dyno leagues.

 

[mbuehner]

I really hope you guys are in crazy-deep leagues, love him in dyno but this year he's worthless as long as Reggie is healthy.

Not so much - scored 12.5 points last weekCertainly playable as RB3/Flex maybe even RB2 in a bye week or against a team with really poor run defense

And the odds of Reggie staying healthy with this big a workload aint good. Id say theres a very good chance Miller starts at least one game this season, and that could lead to the kind of jackpot that wins you leagues outright. Shot at that off the waiver wire? Yes please. Plus if you have Bush you get the handcuff insurance.