Panthers continue to bolster pass rush with Christian Miller

The Carolina Panthers have selected pass-rusher Christian Miller out of Alabama in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 115th overall.

It's the Panthers' second addition at defensive end after taking Brian Burns with the No. 16 pick.

Miller's a versatile pass-rusher who should allow Carolina to get more creative with its defensive front, and he will have an opportunity to contribute immediately on special teams.

School: Alabama
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245 lbs

Strengths

• Extremely violent hands, nasty chop and swat
• Consistently forced pressure on quarterbacks in 2018
• Adequate bend and flexibility to run the arc
• Sudden punch wins battles in run defense
• Long arms used to stack defenders
• Good pursuit speed, fluid in space
• Uses multiple pass-rush moves effectively
• Very good special teams player

Weaknesses

• Undersized, should fill out frame for NFL
• Lacks strong anchor at point of attack
• One-year starter
• Doesn't convert speed to power
• Average get-off once ball is snapped

Bottom line

Miller is a solid prospect who ideally fits as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The former Crimson Tide standout isn't a top-tier athlete by NFL standards, but he combinates devastating hands and a complete pass-rush arsenal and could garner looks on Day 2 of the draft. Miller must add strength to his game, however, to secure an every-down role in the pros.

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