Chicago Bears: Anthony Miller likely to play key role early
By David Mamola
Second-round draft pick Anthony Miller will likely need to play a big role if the Chicago Bears offense is going to take-off in 2018.
Despite signing Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Trey Burton in free agency, wide receiver was still an area of need for the Chicago Bears heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. There was no receiver worthy of a selection eighth-overall, so the Chicago Bears reportedly tried to trade back up into later stages of the first-round to select Calvin Ridley. The Atlanta Falcons ultimately took Ridley 26th overall, leaving the Bears to move on to Plan B.
After selecting James Daniels with their second-round pick (39th overall), the Bears made a trade with the New England Patriots to move into the 51st selection. The price was steep — a 2018 fourth-round pick and a 2019 second-round pick — but Ryan Pace and the Bears saw a player they liked slip and they pounced. That player turned out to be Anthony Miller, a 5-11 wide receiver from Memphis.
Given the fact that the Bears invested a lot of draft capital to select Miller, it’s likely that the rookie’s role will be substantial right out of the gate. Miller can play both out-wide and in the slot, giving him the flexibility to get on the field more often.
In two wide receiver sets, Robinson and Gabriel are the likely starters, with Miller seeing the bulk of his playing time in three-wide sets and when he spells either starter.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus speaks on a number of team issues
- Roschon Johnson showing he can be Chicago Bears RB1
- Lingering free agent could be an absolute godsend for Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears: Should Tyson Bagent be the backup quarterback?
- Chicago Bears: 3 replacements if Justin Fields isn’t the answer
Miller’s route running and athleticism should be a welcomed addition to the Bears offense — and Mitchell Trubisky. Miller will likely play a similar role to that of Kendall Wright’s last season, one in which saw Wright lead the team in catches (59).
Like with all young wide receivers, there will be some growing pains for Miller. He has had a small issue with drops in his collegiate career, yet that should be corrected with enough time spent on the Jugs Machine. With all the receivers learning Matt Nagy’s playbook this offseason, Miller shouldn’t be at too big of a disadvantage in terms of losing playing time to players who have more knowledge of the schemes.
Miller’s biggest challenger might be Kevin White, yet there’s no guarantee the fourth-year wideout will offer much competition.
Next: 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Way too early projection for next year
It’ll be fun to see how all these new offensive weapons will mesh. Robinson, Gabriel, and Burton will likely be leaned on more, but Miller will have to play a large role as well if this offense really wants to take-off.