Dee

Milliner

Milliner also says the torn labrum in his shoulder that required a March operation was minor. “No, it wasn’t that bad,” he said. “My arm wasn’t hanging off or anything like that, or broken, so I can go out there and do something.” Milliner is expected to miss the entire offseason program, but be ready for training camp.

This isn’t surprising news by any means. Milliner has been targeting a return for training camp all along, and he previously stated before the draft that he intends to be 100 percent sometime in August. Milliner has undergone five surgeries in his short football career, but insists they’ve all been “minor.”

It’s Darrelle Revis’ old role, and one Cromartie filled ably last season after Revis tore his ACL. It allows No. 9 pick Dee Milliner to develop in less high-pressure situations. Going into his age-29 season, Cromartie is coming off arguably his best NFL campaign. The pieces are in place for the Jets to field another top-10 defense, but the offense figures to make 2013 a long season.

Per the New York Daily News, it was not because Milliner was unhappy with his draft position. It’s just a reminder that players switch agents all the time, and that the handwringing over Geno Smith’s decision to find new representation was utterly absurd.

Corner was a glaring 2012 weakness for the Lions, and No. 1 CB Chris Houston is an unrestricted free agent. GM Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz have both gone on the record about the need for a talent infusion at corner, and Milliner is the consensus top defensive back available in this year’s draft. Even if Milliner slides past Detroit at No. 5, he’s unlikely to fall out of the top 10.

Milliner is the No. 1 corner in the draft and a projected top-five pick. It’s the kind of injury players can gut out, but often with significant pain and range of motion issues. By going under the knife, Milliner will reduce the chances of aggravation down the line and should still be ready for training camp. He’ll do everything at the Combine except bench press, but will not participate in Alabama’s Pro Day. Milliner sustained the injury last season, but the shoulder never cost him a game. We wouldn’t expect his draft stock to slip far at all.

“The doctors have informed us that he will be 100 percent and fully recovered in time for training camp in July,” said agent Tony Fleming. “We will be providing all NFL clubs information prior to surgery and updates close to the draft.” Milliner will go through all drills save the bench press at the Combine.

According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, one NFL scout had Milliner at 4.29 on his first run. NFL teams used hand-held times at the stadium to gather their own forties; they’re not necessarily using the same times we are. Nevertheless, these are blazing-fast times for a built-up, 6-foot, 201-pound cornerback. It’s fair to say it’d now be a surprise if Milliner got past the Lions at the No. 5 overall pick.

King still believes it would be an “upset” if Milliner slipped past the Lions at No. 5. King doesn’t specify the exact “doubts” he’s hearing on the draft’s top corner. If Detroit made the decision to pass Milliner up, it would likely be for a left tackle or defensive end -- two glaring Lions needs.

So Alabama CB Dee Milliner going No. 2 to the Jaguars would be unprecedented. Since 2000, only eight cornerbacks have been chosen in the top ten. Milliner is undergoing surgery to repair the labrum tear in his shoulder on Tuesday. He’s expected to be ready for training camp, but may miss OTAs and minicamps.