Running Back – TCU
5’11” 215 lbs
3rd Round – 71st Overall – New Orleans Saints
Kendre Miller was one of my favorite backs coming into this draft. He was an option quarterback in high school and also played linebacker on defense. More recently, he played three seasons at TCU, splitting time in his first two seasons with guys like Zach Evans of Ole Miss. However, he totally took the main role last year, finishing with 224 carries for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Miller doesn’t have great speed but he has enough to separate from the defense and break big runs. Additionally, he is shifty, has good burst, can break tackles, and is a patient runner who waits for blocks to develop. Furthermore, he’s a quality blocker in pass protection, which should translate to the NFL level quickly. On another note, he didn’t do much as a receiver at TCU catching just 30 passes over three seasons for 232 yards so that is a question mark at the next level.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Miller will be part of a solid Saints offense that just added quarterback Derek Carr and running back Jamaal Williams. They also have veteran Michael Thomas, a highly talented 2nd-year wideout in Chris Olave with emerging weapons like tight end Juwan Johnson and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. Alvin Kamara’s trial for his battery incident in Las Vegas will be July 31st so it’s possible he could be facing a lengthy suspension to start the year or sometime in the middle of the season. This could create an opportunity for Miller to get meaningful playing time in his rookie season with the Saints.
Regardless of what happens with Kamara, Miller could have a meaningful role in this offense. The Saints’ offensive line is no longer a top offensive line in the league as they are more middle of the pack now, but Miller will still be playing in a talented offense and in a weak division in the NFC South that will result in favorable game scripts.
In redraft leagues, Miller is somebody to keep a close eye on as we learn more about Alvin Kamara’s situation. Depending on the possible Kamara suspension Miller could be drafted or undrafted. I may take him at the end of my drafts or buy him for a few dollars in an auction league regardless.
Dynasty Outlook
Some scouts have compared Miller to Aaron Jones as a runner as Miller has the ability to not only break tackles but also the speed and burst to separate from the defense.
Jamaal Williams is a 28-year-old running back that ran behind one of the best offensive lines in the league in Detroit. He’s not going to be as fortunate in New Orleans. Miller could supplant him this season if not next year. Furthermore, the Kamara situation also provides Miller with an opportunity to potentially have a significant role this season and beyond. All in all, Miller has enough talent to earn a sizable role in year one regardless.
I wouldn’t mind taking Miller at the end of the first round in 1QB drafts, but most will take him in the 2nd round. In Superflex, he belongs in the 2nd round. Overall, Miller is one of the few backs in this draft that offers the size and speed combination that translates to success at the next level.
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