Christen Miller

Draft Projection

Measurements

Athletic Testing

College Statistics

Scouting Report

Rare combination of size, strength and movement skills at 6'4", 320 lbs with exceptional strength for a 21-year-old. A stout presence on the defensive line who reads run concepts well and maintains gap discipline with the ability to be an immovable object in the run game. Limited pass rush production (4 career sacks) is the primary knock on an otherwise promising profile.

Player Comparison

Strengths

• Explosive first step that allows him to shoot gaps and penetrate the backfield before offensive linemen can properly set their feet - creates immediate disruption in both run and pass situations.
• Anchor strength is pro-ready; consistently holds his ground against double teams without giving up ground, showing tremendous lower body power and natural leverage to eat up space.
• Violent, heavy hands that deliver shocking power on initial contact - when he lands his punch, offensive linemen visibly rock back on their heels, allowing him to control the point of attack.
• Shows better lateral movement than most 305-pounders, displaying the ability to work down the line of scrimmage and make plays outside his gap without losing containment responsibilities.
• Technically sound run defender who understands leverage and gap responsibilities - consistently maintains proper pad level and exhibits discipline to stay in his assigned gap even when tempted to chase plays.
• Plays with an infectious energy and motor that doesn't quit - effort doesn't waver whether it's the first quarter or late in the fourth, consistently chasing plays from behind and pursuing outside the tackle box.
• Brings versatility to play multiple techniques along the defensive front - has shown he can be effective as both a 1-tech nose and 3-tech penetrator, giving defensive coordinators scheme flexibility.
• Demonstrates advanced understanding of hand-fighting techniques, with a developing array of counters when his initial move is stalled - shows hints of a swim move that could become lethal with refinement.

Areas to Improve

• Limited pass rush production with only 2.5 career sacks through three seasons - needs to convert more of his pressures into finishing plays when he gets to the quarterback.
• Plays too high at times, especially when fatigued, which negates his natural leverage advantage and allows offensive linemen to get underneath his pads and control him.
• Shoulder injury that required surgery following the 2024 season raises durability concerns - missed spring practice and will need to prove he can hold up to the physical demands of the position.
• Still developing consistency with his hand placement - can get caught with hands outside the frame of blockers, reducing his ability to control and shed efficiently in congested areas.
• Will occasionally lose track of the ball on misdirection plays and play-action, showing he needs to improve his overall play recognition and processing speed to become an every-down impact player.