James Walker of ESPN explains the so-called experts there placing Steelers TE Heath Miller at number 13 on their list of top TE’s. Check out below to hear Walker, who is a Miller fan, explain how the TE should be ranked higher than 13.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger often calls teammate Heath Miller the best tight end in football. But according to ESPN.com’s positional Power Rankings, Miller is not even in the top 12 at his position.
Miller came in at No. 13 in this week’s ranking of the NFL’s best tight ends. ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton and I were the only two voters who had Miller on their ballots. Clayton voted Miller ninth and I ranked Miller seventh.
This confirms what most of us in the AFC North blog already suspected: Miller remains one of the league’s most underrated players. Injuries hurt his numbers in 2010 (42 receptions for 512 yards). But Miller was recently an AFC representative in the Pro Bowl two seasons ago with 76 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns.
Miller is not flashy and will never catch 100 passes per season playing in Pittsburgh’s offense. But in my opinion, Miller is one of the NFL’s most complete tight ends and worthy of being on this list.
Miller makes the most of his limited opportunities. He’s sure-handed and great at running downhill after the catch. He’s also a phenomenal run- and pass-blocker, and essentially serves as Pittsburgh’s third offensive tackle.
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DrGeorge
March 30, 2011 at 11:13 am
The article fails to mention the criteria used for the rankings. Heath Miller’s career illustrates the importance of an athlete being in the right system; Heath is a top 3 TE in terms of what he does within the Steelers’ offense. Most TEs do not or will not do all the things he does, especially blocking well and receiving consistently well in traffic. He is a consummate team player. A first round draft pick, he was productive each season and keeps getting better. I’d take him over any other TE in the league.
Dave B.
March 31, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Absolutely ludicrous . Heath Miller is hands down one of the top 5 tight ends in the NFL . To only rank him at 13 shows just how little they really know . Heath is easily the best blocking tight end in the league and as far as receiving ability hes in the top 5 of tight ends .