Dolphins RB Lamar Miller Impressing, Drawing Comparisons to Reggie Bush

Sept. 16, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins second-year running back Lamar Miller is doing all the right things this offseason while impressing folks like quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He’s also drawing comparisons to former USC star and Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush.

Miller was underwhelming last season, albeit in spot-duty. He appeared in 13 games and rushed for just 250 yards and one score.

The winds of change are blowing as Tannehill has some high praise for Miller, as does NFL Network’s LaDainian Tomlinson, a man who knows a thing or two about the running back position (via Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald):

"Ryan Tannehill said “what impresses me most” about Lamar Miller – the Dolphins’ first-team tailback all offseason – is “he’s picking up pass protections a lot better. Now that he’s got that, he’s going to be a great player.” Former NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson, now with NFL Network, said Miller is faster and more explosive than Reggie Bush."

The praise for Miller is great but he’s going to have to show it on the field in a game situation. If Miller has truly picked up pass blocking then he may have what it takes to act as an every down back as his tendency to allow pass-rushers by him en route to the quarterback held him back from more playing time.

Miller is certainly elusive and fast enough to draft comparisons to Bush. The problem is he’ll have to stay consistent enough and keep his health to actually reach that potential.

After one of the most headline-heavy offseasons in recent memory by bringing in Mike Wallace and a wealth of other big names, add Miller progressively developing to a  long list of things the Dolphins have going for them heading into the season.

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