The 2011 NFL Draft is taking place on Thursday, April 28, and the Redskins will have the No. 10 pick in the first round. Many different players have been projected to be picked in that spot in various 2011 NFL mock drafts, and the Redskins certainly have a lot of needs. Which players will be good fits for the Redskins in that spot? We will provide scouting reports and let you know who we like in this StoryStream. Next up: Texas A&M Linebacker Von Miller
NFL Comparison: Ironically, someone who is very similar to Miller is a current member of the Washington Redskins. That someone is Brian Orakpo. Miller, like Orakpo, is a terror from the outside when he is rushing the quarterback.
2010 Season Stats: 68 tackles, 10.5 sack and 1 int.
Strengths: You want a pass rusher? You'll likely get a good one with this guy on the roster. He's your typical pure pass rusher, in that he has explosive speed and knows how to close on the QB when he is close. The book on Miller is that his motor is always running, he rarely takes plays off, and is a reliable tackler when he engages ball carriers. He is considered the top pass rusher in this draft, and should do well regardless of what defensive scheme he is plugged into.
Weaknesses: The thing about being a pure pass rusher at the linebacker position could mean that he is more vulnerable against the run. The scouting reports on Miller say he could struggle early against the run, as he has shown he can let the bigger offensive lineman in the league erase him from plays create huge running lanes.
Redskins fit: This one is pretty obvious. Jim Haslett is praying for a guy opposite of Orakpo who can help wreak havoc within the linebacking corps. Drafting an edge rusher is among the top priorities for this team, and Miller would be the best of the bunch.
Where He Should Be Picked: Before the Redskins select at 10, that's for sure. Most projections have him in the top five, falling no further than Arizona at the fifth pick. But if the Redskins somehow get lucky and have Miller fall to them, it could be the start of something special on defense. He could be that good of a player.