Christian

Miller

In a statement, Miller described his decision as a “high risk opt out,” meaning he would be eligible for a $350,000 stipend. He joins fellow Carolina LB Jordan Mack as the only Panthers who have opted out. Miller, who led the Crimson Tide in QB pressures in 2018, played in seven games for Carolina last year.

The Panthers also signed third-round QB Will Grier, fifth-round RB Jordan Scarlett, OT Dennis Daley, and WR Terry Godwin, leaving only Brian Burns and Greg Little unsigned. However, both Burns and Little are participating in minicamp. As for Miller, he was a late breakout pass-rusher after being stuck as a depth piece at Alabama. As a fifth-year senior, Miller led the Crimson Tide in QB pressures (39), but he also added 11.5 TFLs and 8.5 sacks. Miller’s athletic testing was hampered by a lingering hamstring injury, but he showed a bursty 38.5-inch vertical.

Miller (6’3/247) was a depth piece for three seasons in Tuscaloosa before breaking out as a fifth-year senior for 11.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, and a team-high 39 QB pressures. Per PFF College, Miller generated pressure on 19.2% of his 2018 pass-rush snaps, the fifth-highest rate among all draft-eligible edge defenders. Unfortunately, Miller’s pre-draft workouts were limited after suffering a debilitating hamstring injury in Alabama’s regular season finale. He did dominate the vertical jump (38’5") in Indy. When healthy, Miller is a long-armed (35 1’8") outside rusher who can win with edge speed and first-step burst in the Justin Houston mold.