Gators 2023 NFL Draft Profile: LB Ventrell Miller

Photo: Ventrell Miller; Credit: Zach Goodall

The 2023 NFL Draft is approaching, marking the peak of the professional football offseason.

As NFL free agency cools down after the initial surge to fill spots of need, teams are solidifying their big boards for the eventful selection period set to take place from April 27-29.

Multiple University of Florida talents are in the midst of preparing for the draft process. Eight of the 11 entrants recently participated in the NFL Combine. They finalized their athletic metrics at the school's Pro Day on March 30.

In anticipation of the selection ceremony, All Gators will provide player draft profiles for the 11 Florida representatives. The series will include the player's history, strengths, weaknesses, scouting report, best fit and most up-to-date Gators-centric mock draft selection.

Following profiles for quarterback Anthony Richardson, offensive guard O'Cyrus Torrence, defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr., edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. and safety Trey Dean III, next up in our series is inside linebacker Ventrell Miller.

Player History

A six-year Gator, Miller enrolled at Florida as a member of its 2017 recruiting class out of Lakeland (Fla.) Kathleen. 

Involvement in a credit card fraud scheme with eight other UF players in 2017 led to a season-long suspension of Miller's freshman year. A pre-trial diversion program leading to a dismissal of charges paired with the late 2017 hiring of a new Florida coaching staff, however, offered the linebacker an opportunity to redeem himself within the program. 

He made the most of his second chance and exits Gainesville as one of the most well-respected Gators to take the field in recent years, in the opinions of teammates, coaches, fans and media alike. 

Miller fielded numerous roles for the team in his five active seasons. He began as a core special teamer and reserve linebacker before stepping into starting positions, first on the weak-side before sliding into the middle following David Reese II's 2019-20 graduation. 

Miller went on to appear in 48 games over the years and make 33 starts, in command of the defense on the field at MIKE for the 2020 and 2022 seasons. He missed the majority of the 2021 campaign with an arm injury that required surgery but immediately returned to his first-team role upon clearance from the wound.

His absence, due to the 2021 injury and others, was always noticeable. Florida's defense would often struggle to line up and communicate whenever Miller was sidelined over the years. His presence was considered inspiring by teammates, and the unit was generally better when he was available to contribute than when he wasn't.

Miller's third head coach at Florida, Billy Napier, described him as an "alpha" to praise his leadership qualities displayed throughout the 2022 campaign.

"Ventrell Miller is as good of a human being as I’ve been around in my career. I can’t compliment him enough. His ability to affect the other players, his consistency as a person. There’s no wavering on his words, his actions, his care for other people. He’s an old soul. He has the ability to see the big picture and really care for other people. 

"Very unique player, and he’s a heck of a football player. He in particular is one I will remember for sure.”

Miller ended his Florida career with 240 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss, one interception which was returned for an 82-yard touchdown, eight defended passes and two forced fumbles tallied. 

Strengths

• Seasoned middle linebacker with ample experience making calls and leading Florida's defensive communication, in two different schemes 
• Tough, physically strong prospect that played through a foot injury in 2022 that eventually required surgery
• Thumping downhill tackler with the propensity to make routine stops near or behind the line of scrimmage
• Quick to ID and attack, not often manipulated by run fakes or play-action
• Capable of adequately blitzing and simulating pressure thanks to physicality and downhill explosiveness
• Enough speed to play sideline-to-sideline within the sticks, defend screens and the short passing game

Concerns

• Very undersized off-ball linebacker at 5-foot-11 3/4 (sixth percentile), 232 pounds (22nd percentile)
• Lack of athletic testing scores
• Intermediate zone and man-to-man coverage struggles with marginal improvement over the years 
• While scheme-versatile, likely limited to traditional MIKE/SAM linebacker roles
• Injury history: Foot (2022), biceps (2021), foot (2020), hamstring (2019). Miller missed at least one game each season over his final four years with the Gators.
• 24-year-old draft prospect 

Scouting Report

Although he is undersized compared to the prototype, Miller fits the mold of an early-down inside linebacker at the next level that can fit into multiple defensive fronts as a middle linebacker or boundary-side 'backer. Most teams could benefit from adding the high-floor depth to its linebacker room that Miller provides from a run defense perspective. 

Teams will covet Miller's leadership qualities and ability to command a defense, in addition to his physical and athletic abilities as a football player. 

Miller's physical and aggressive play style should lead to a role on an NFL special teams unit, too. He contributed to Florida's kick-and-punt coverage/return units and field goal block team for a total of 411 career special teams snaps, compiling ten tackles in the third phase. 

All Gators mock simulator selection 

Round 6, Pick 194: Detroit Lions