Anthony Miller did not compete in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine, but he showed off his strength with 22 reps on the bench press.
On Tuesday, Miller finally will get the chance to remind NFL scouts why he was a consensus All-American when he and 12 former teammates will be featured at Memphis’ Pro Day.
The outdoor portion will be held at the Tigers' practice field but is closed to the public. The Memphis athletic department said it expects to host over 60 scouts/NFL player personnel on hand, including representation from all 32 NFL teams
Miller, the Tigers' all-time leading receiver, did not compete in the Senior Bowl after suffering a foot injury in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State in December. He has worked out with quarterback Riley Ferguson at the EXOS Facility in Pensacola, Fla., and was cleared for full-speed activities the week of the combine.
Memphis Tigers WR Anthony Miller
Draft Wire’s latest mock draft has Miller sliding to the fourth round after being touted mostly as a second- or third-round choice most of the winter. Yet ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said in a conference call to reporters last week that he thinks Miller is a second-round selection and that his stock will rise again after pro day.
“He’s going to be a guy that I think people are going to be enamored with as we move through the rest of the next 2-3 weeks,” Kiper said. “Some of the teams that could be looking for a wide receiver in the second round, I think he would fit that mold.”
At the combine, Miller hinted at what teams can expect when they see him work out.
“I’m just going to let them know where I come from – Memphis, Tennessee,” Miller told The Tennessean's Jason Wolf. “We’ve got to work for everything we get. No one gives us anything. I’ve got that grind mentality, that dog mentality. I think I’m one of the best – the best receiver – in this draft. I have all the capabilities, and I’m going to make sure I let them know every chance I get.”
Memphis Tigers QB Riley Ferguson
Pro day also will be another chance for Ferguson and linebacker Genard Avery to show off in on-field workouts after they attended the combine. Ferguson will get another chance to impress scouts after showing off his arm but not wowing them with his speed.
Avery earned praise after a strong showing at the combine with his strength and speed. Kiper not only had him pegged as a third- or fourth-round selection, but he also thinks Avery could sneak into the second round.
“He’s a guy with the arrow pointing up right now,” Kiper said, adding that Avery is the No. 5 inside linebacker on his big board.
Draft Wire currently has Avery slotted as a third-round selection and Ferguson as a seventh-round selection.
Others to watch
While Miller, Avery and Ferguson will try to solidify their draft stock, their former teammates will look to remind scouts why they should have a shot in the NFL.
Offensive lineman Gabe Kuhn, the Tigers' all-time leader in starts, running back Doroland Dorceus and receiver Phil Mayhue are just some of the former Memphis players who will work out Tuesday. Punter Spencer Smith also will hope to ride the wave of kicking success among former Tigers.
Prior to spring practice, Memphis coach Mike Norvell said that all of his players will be prepared for pro day given what he and his staff have already put them through. After Saturday's scrimmage, he reiterated that sentiment after seeing several players stop by during the week.
“They’re ready for their opportunity,” Norvell said after Saturday’s scrimmage. “I just want to see them all go out there and perform to the best of their ability and get themselves in the best situation for their future.
Tigers scheduled to be at Pro Day
QB Riley Ferguson
WR Anthony Miller
LB Genard Avery
OL Gabe Kuhn
WR Phil Mayhue
RB Doroland Dorceus
DB Jonathan Cook
DL Christian Johnson
P Spencer Smith
RB Anthony Young
LB Mannie Lowery
LB Shareef White
DB Christian Slaughter
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Anthony Miller, Riley Ferguson, Genard Avery have something to prove at Memphis Pro D
