7. Von Miller
Team: Denver Broncos
Position: OLB
Experience: 8 Years
Born and raised in Texas, the four star recruit stayed local and took his talents to Texas A&M University. He stayed all four years at college, piling up plenty of accolades on the way. Miller took a huge jump in his Junior year, as he totaled 17.0 sacks compared to the 3.5 his Sophomore season. His sacks declined his Senior year, racking up only 10, but his overall impact on the game was felt even more. This was large in part to his switch from DE to LB, allowing him to cover more of the field on every play. He ended his senior year as a consensus All-American, as well as the winner of the Dick Butkus Award.
All of Miller’s hype led him to be the #2 overall pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 draft. Miller was the highest drafted Linebacker since LaVar Arrington in 2000. Miller also became the Aggie’s highest draft pick since 1992, when Quentin Coryatt went second overall. It didn’t take Miller long to get acclimated to the NFL game, as he made the Pro-Bowl in his rookie season. Miller has been a model of consistency throughout his NFL tenure, missing only 8 games in his 8 year career, 7 of which came in 2013 when he tore his ACL.
Miller has endured quite a roller coaster ride of a career from a franchise standpoint. In his earlier years with the club, they were contending for championships with Peyton Manning under center. They even reached the pinnacle with the thrashing of the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Von Miller was named Super Bowl MVP and his legacy was cemented for years to come.
Even during the Franchise’s down years (post 2015), Miller has still been a tremendous leader and presence on the field. Discounting 2013 when he tore his ACL, Miller has never had a season with less than 10.0 sacks. Miller actually has the 2nd most sacks off all active players, trailing only Terrell Suggs. He made his first First Team All-Pro in 2012, following it up with two more in 2015 and 2016. Even in down years for the Franchise, Miller’s play helps the Broncos defense remain formidable.
Although the Broncos may be stuck in the mud due to curious personnel acquisitions by management, Von Miller is certainly here to stay. Expect at least another 3-4 years of elite level production from Miller, unless he suffers a gruesome injury. His tenacity and passion combined with his worldly athletic ability make him nearly impossible to track down as an Offensive Linemen. Miller comes in at number 7 on the NFL SneakerReporter Top 30 Countdown. NFL ranked him as #10 heading into 2019, who got it right? Leave a comment down below!
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