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Saintsreport.com Staff
With pick #71 of the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints made a bold move by selecting TCU RB Kendre Miller
Miller is a dynamic player with a unique combination of speed, agility, and power, which makes him a valuable asset to the Saints' offensive lineup.
At 5'10" and 215 pounds, Miller is a physical runner who can power his way through defenders while also possessing the agility to make defenders miss in open space. During his college career, he demonstrated his versatility by contributing as a runner, receiver, and even as a return specialist.
The Saints' decision to draft Miller comes at a time when the team is looking to add depth to their running back corps. With Alvin Kamara possibly facing a suspension to start the 2023 season, and the departure of Mark Ingram, the Saints were left with a void at the position. While they did sign a Jamaal Williams from Detroit, and former Cardinal Eno Benjamin late last season, there was a need to fill the gap with only 4 RB's on the entire roster. Miller has strong potential to be a long-term solution to the Saints RB issues.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com had this to say about Miller in his draft bio:
"Miller rushed for 2,508 yards and 34 scores as a senior quarterback at Mount Enterprise High School in Texas, earning a scholarship from the Horned Frogs. He made an impact as a true freshman, starting one of nine appearances (54-388-7.2, two TDs) and then led the team with seven rushing scores in 2021 (83-623-7.5 rushing; 12-117-9.8, one TD receiving in 10 games with three starts). Miller broke out as a junior, leading the team with 1,399 rushing yards (224 carries, 6.2 per) and tying for eighth nationally with 17 rushing touchdowns in 14 starts, missing the national title game due to injury. The 2022 first-team All-Big 12 Conference pick also caught 16 passes for 116 yards (7.3 per). -- by Chad Reuter"
In addition to his impressive rushing abilities, Miller is also a reliable receiver out of the backfield. He caught 35 passes for 362 yards and three touchdowns during his final season at TCU. This dual-threat capability makes him an even more valuable asset to the Saints, as he can provide another option for quarterback David Carr to target in the passing game.
It is interesting that Miller, a three star recruit out of high school, was so impressive in 2021 that the star starting RB at TCU at the time Zach Evans, transferred to Ole Miss, leaving Miller as the full time starter.
One potential concern with Miller is his durability. He suffered a shoulder injury during his junior season, which limited his playing time. However, he bounced back with a strong senior season, demonstrating his resilience and determination to succeed. He also suffered an MCL in the Fiesta bowl victory over Michigan, and there are reports that he has not quite fully recovered from but is on schedule.
Miller may not be an immediate starter for the Saints, but he has the potential to become a key contributor to the team in the future. With his impressive skillset and work ethic, Miller has the tools to make an impact in the NFL and help the Saints get back to their winning ways
While he may not be an immediate starter, Miller has the potential to become a key player for the team in the years to come. With his impressive skillset and work ethic, Miller has the tools to be a valuable asset for the Saints.
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