ESPN: Bills’ Von Miller named among top-10 pass rushers by peers
ESPN continued their top-10 positional poll rankings with edge defenders. There was plenty of respect still found the Buffalo Bills’ Von Miller.
The former world-wide leader surveyed more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help us name the 10 best at each spot on the field according to those in the game.
The defensive line was revamped in Buffalo this offseason. The marquee move was Miller and those around the NFL say it was a good idea.
On ESPN’s top-10 list according to his peers, Miller is still the sixth-best pass rusher in the NFL.
Here’s what was said about Miller by ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler:
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10
Age: 33 | Last year’s ranking: 5Miller is the kind of player who must be watched to be appreciated. The Rams acquired him via trade to help make key plays in the postseason, and he totally delivered with four sacks. Miller even made several splash plays in the Super Bowl — beating the right tackle inside for a pass deflection in the red zone, coming off a stunt to chase down Joe Burrow for a sack and spinning off the left guard for another sack late in the game.
“I bumped him up because of what he did in the postseason,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “Took over in critical moments.”
The only real issue with Miller is age. The Bills aren’t too concerned with that, having signed Miller to a massive six-year, $120 million deal, though they have a potential out after three years and $52 million. Regardless, that’s a huge investment for a player on the back nine of his career.
But as one general manager said, “He will age better than most. His explosiveness is still there.”
Miller signed a long-term deal with the Bills this offseason. But the realistic nature of the contract is that it will probably last somewhere around three seasons.
Regardless, Buffalo is still getting a piece that’s respected across the league heading toward a Super Bowl hopeful 2022 season.
Not only that, hopefully Miller is someone who will make others around the team’s defensive line–namely some of his younger teammates like Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau, better.
Miller’s signing looks to be one that’s well-received in inside circles.
