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Ventrell Miller

Ventrell Miller Player Profile

Summary

Ventrell Miller was selected in the 4th Round (#121 Overall) in the 2023 Draft out of University of Florida. Miller is a physical, instinctive linebacker with strong run-defense traits, good pursuit range for his size, and a high-motor approach. His strengths position him well as a reliable contributor in the box and in base defensive sets. The primary challenge for him is bridging the gap in coverage and athleticism that separates solid linebackers from the elite multi-down ones in today’s NFL. With development in those areas and the right scheme fit, he has the potential to carve out a meaningful role on his team’s defense.

Strengths

  • Run-defender mindset & leveraging his body well: Miller is noted for being a tough-nosed run defender who uses his core strength, leverage, and instincts to set the edge and fight through blocks. Scouts say he “plays bigger than his listed size,” and has a strong motor. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Instincts and downhill trigger: He shows good play-diagnosis, an ability to identify run vs pass quickly, and attacks downhill with aggression—helpful traits for a linebacker in early-down front. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Sideline-to-sideline pursuit & range for his size: While not elite in every athletic metric, Miller has enough lateral mobility to get on the move, defend screens or tosses, and make tackles in space. FantasyPros

  • Leadership, experience & proven production: A multi-year starter at Florida, Miller brings significant college experience and demonstrated tackle production (e.g., 74 tackles in 2022 with 8.5 tackles for loss) Bleacher Report

Weaknesses

  • Size / length limitations for today’s linebacker: At around 6′0″ and ~232 lbs, Miller is considered undersized for many interior linebacker roles in the NFL, particularly when facing bigger blockers or tight ends. SI

  • Change-of-direction agility and hip fluidity: Evaluations note that his short-area quickness, ability to sharply change direction, or bend into space is inconsistent. This becomes more noticeable in man-coverage or when asked to make cover-type movements. Bleacher Report

  • Coverage in space (especially man coverage) & athletic ceiling: While he shows competence in zones and pursuit, Miller’s ability to consistently cover tight ends or backs in man situations, or drop deep into coverage and recover, is seen as a limitation. Some reports point to decline in his athletic metrics in deeper zone work. SI

  • Block-shedding and strength vs heavier physical matchups: Some scouting notes indicate that Miller can get washed out or sealed by blocks when taking on bigger linemen or full-back-type lead blockers because his arm length, anchor strength or block-shedding may be below ideal. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

Miller is best suited for an NFL defense that uses him as a “down” linebacker in early-down or base fronts—someone who can play in the box, make tackles, defend the run, and play limited sub-packages. He may be less suited (at least initially) for defenses that require linebackers to cover a lot of athletic tight ends or do full-time man coverage. If Miller continues to improve his athletic flexibility, coverage comfort, and block-shedding strength, his ceiling is as a solid starting linebacker in his role. If those areas lag, his role may settle more as a rotational/early-down defender and special-teams contributor.