It’s no secret why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers targeted and drafted Scott Miller. The team coveted the former Bowling Green product for his blazing speed. The now-22-year-old produced a 4.39 40-yard-dash-time at his pro day. While fast, it’s not quite in the realm of league fastest.
However, track speed and game speed are not the same things. So far, Miller has been the fastest wide receiver on the field.
Fastest WRs in the NFL by average max MPH on pass plays, min 100 snaps
Scott Miller 16.4
Marvin Hall 16.2
Travis Benjamin 15.6
Johnny Holton 15.5
Jakeem Grant 15.4
Vyncint Smith 15.4
Curtis Samuel 15.3
Marquise Goodwin 15.2
Ted Ginn 15.2
Robby Anderson 15.1— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) November 23, 2019
When it comes to consistent speed in-game, Miller has maintained the fastest average run speed among any wideout that has played at least offensive 100 snaps. Miller joins known speedsters Curtis Samuel and Jakeem Grant, former track star Marquise Goodwin, and the ageless Ted Ginn, among others.
There is no question that Miller possesses the speed factor the Buccaneers have long sought. However, like most rookie wideouts, there have been growing pains. Miller has managed just 10 receptions on 23 targets for 151 yards in his rookie season, resulting in a subpar 43.5 percent catch rate.
Miller did provide a glimpse of his potential against the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago when he hauled in a 48-yard catch deep down the sideline. Initially ruled a touchdown, the ball was placed at the one-yard line after an official review.
The closest template for Miller’s role and usage under head coach Bruce Arians and staff is former Arizona Cardinal J.J. Nelson. Similarly, Nelson managed just 11 catches on 27 targets in his rookie season under Arians before exploding for over 500 yards in each of his two subsequent campaigns. The Buccaneers would surely take that result behind the gaudy numbers of stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, not to mention what Miller’s deep speed could inflict on a defense.
Buccaneers fans have good reason to be excited about Scott Miller’s future with the team. For now, though, it’s more potential than production.
