Kendre Miller Selected No. 71 by New Orleans in NFL Draft
The TCU Horned Frogs now have a third player off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints tabbed running back Kendre Miller with the 71st overall pick, eighth in the third round Friday evening in Kansas City.
Miller joins wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who was taken with the No. 21 overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, and offensive guard Steve Avila, who was taken by the other Los Angeles team, the Rams, at No. 36. And it continues a massive Big 12 haul, which is now at 10 players taken.
His selection in the third round is above where NFL.com Analyst Lance Zierlein had him pegged.
“The size and production will check important boxes, but Miller’s lack of tempo and explosiveness between the tackles could turn him into a grinder against the speed of NFL defenses,” Zierlein wrote in his evaluation of Miller. “His restricted stride length provides greater control to cut early in the run, but it works against him when he needs to hit the gas and stride past linebackers. He has the size and strength to keep runs moving though contact, although he could be an even better run finisher. His third-down value is relatively low, so he will need to sell himself as an early down backup on the next level.
Miller’s production while in Fort Worth, though, speaks volumes to his ability. He finished his TCU career with 2,410 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 361 carries. That included a 2022 campaign where he exploded for 1,399 yards and 17 scores on 224 totes.
He’ll now bring his talents to the Bayou. And New Orleans will be mighty glad to have him as a weapon.
