Miami Hurricanes sophomore running back Lamar Miller brings his explosive style of play to the 2012 NFL Draft. In his lone season as the primary ball carrier, he averaged 5.6 yards per tote (227-1,272-9) on the ground and hauled in 28 grabs in the last two seasons.

Can he hold up to a pounding?

Strengths

• Very good cutback runner - will be a perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme
• Excellent vision to find open lanes
• Lateral agility and great balance - quick feet
• Impressive acceleration - bursts through the line at nearly top speed
• Strong outside runner - enough speed to turn the corner and outrun defenders
• Elusive - avoids big hits
• Productive (1,272 rushing yards, 10 total touchdowns in 2011)
• Low mileage
• Capable receiver
• Kickoff return experience
• Adequate size (5-foot-11, 212 pounds)
• Considerable upside

Weaknesses

• Inexperienced - only one year as a starter and shared time
• Largely untested as a pass protector
• Questionable durability
• Likely to be a change-of-pace back in the NFL
• Can be indecisive at times - seems to be looking for the home run too often
• Tends to run upright in the open field
• Rarely drives through defenders

Expected draft placement

Miller is somewhat of a risky prospect, as he doesn't necessarily translate to being a full-time back in the NFL and has limited experience. He could go as early as the late first round if a team falls in love with his potential, but Miller may slide into the late second round. He is often viewed as the second running back in this weak class. 

Miller may be considered by the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 21), Cleveland Browns (No. 22), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 24) and Denver Broncos (No. 25) in the first round.

In the early second round, the St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs appear to be teams most interested in his services.