NEWSLETTER
Surprise! It’s Miller Time in Chicago!
The Chicago Bears went from not having a third-round pick to swinging a trade with the New England Patriots to get another second-round pick, and used it to take Memphis wide receiver – one of the most talented wide receivers in the draft:
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/990025087096164352
Wait, but how?
(ANOTHER) TRADE! #PatsDraft pic.twitter.com/EaLTH92HOO
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 28, 2018
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s talk about Mitch Trubisky’s newest target.
Miller was one of college football’s most productive college football prospects over the last two seasons and was Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 rated receiver. Miller has hauled in 191 passes, gained 2,896 receiving yards, and scored 32 touchdowns over the last two years. That comes out to an average of 95 catches, 1,448 yards, and 16 touchdowns, in case you’re keeping score at home.
Miller operates well outside and in the slot, and that versatility will play at the next level. In essence, he replaces Cameron Meredith in that capacity. Miller is a precise route-runner who has shown playmaking ability that comes thanks in part to having the kind of speed and quickness that allows him to run after the catch. The combination of reliable hands, top-notch route-running skills, and elusiveness make him a home run pick for the Bears and someone worth trading up in the draft to take.
It’s also worth noting that Miller might not have been the Bears’ first choice at wide receiver. Insider Ian Rapoport told the NFL Network’s draft crew the that the Bears were trying to trade back into the first round to take Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley. The Bears have been connected to Ridley since the college football season and would have made sense as a target the Bears would have looked to trade back into the first round to take. Ridley was ultimately picked by the Atlanta Falcons with the 26th pick, ending that dream.
Bears GM Ryan Pace has been aggressive in every draft he has been in charge of since joining the organization in 2015, and this one has been no exception. Moving back into the second round (and sacrificing a future second-rounder to do so) in order to acquire the 51st overall pick and using it on a player of Miller’s caliber takes some real moxie and gumption. But if it helps Trubisky earn franchise quarterback status, then the cost of doing business will be worth paying.
