RB Kendre Miller named the best draft pick by the Saints
The New Orleans Saints came into the 2023 NFL Draft with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams as their top running backs, giving them a very solid room at that position. New Orleans still did their due diligence leading up to the draft when it came to adding another runner. One of the guys they brought […]
The New Orleans Saints came into the 2023 NFL Draft with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams as their top running backs, giving them a very solid room at that position.
New Orleans still did their due diligence leading up to the draft when it came to adding another runner. One of the guys they brought in, Kendre Miller out of TCU, was the Saints' pick in the third round, solidifying their interest.
The Saints made other great selections like defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and edge rusher Isaiah Foskey, but ESPN labeled Miller as the best draft pick by the Saints in any round.
The Saints have Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, but Miller is going to see some touches in this offense. The 215-pound back averaged 6.7 yards per carry over three seasons, and he just ran for nearly 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022. Miller can ski through traffic, weaving in and out of cuts without losing speed, and he has the field vision to find holes. The agility and lower-body flexibility really pop on tape, though he's not an overpowering back by any means, and he is just adequate in the pass game.
There's also the current Kamara situation, which could result in a suspension at some point. He pleaded not guilty in March to felony and misdemeanor charges for battery after allegedly punching, kicking and stomping a man in Las Vegas during Pro Bowl week. So adding depth to the running back room could be even more important if the Saints are without Kamara at some point.
Miller explodes through holes with good speed and has excellent contact balance when he's hit. He's very elusive when running between the tackles or when he's on the open field, and Miller's power is extremely underrated.
This pick was smart by the Saints because now they have a guy at the running back position that is very capable of big production for the next four years. So, if at least Kamara or Williams is available to pair with Miller, the Saints will be in great shape at running back for a bit.
Miller could likely be the top guy at the running back position soon in New Orleans depending on what happens with Kamara and if he outperforms Williams. Nonetheless, New Orleans has to be pleased with where they stand in terms of their offensive backfield.
