Physical, Prepared Dee Milliner Ready For NFL
February 26th, 2013
If 70 percent of football is preparation, then Dee Milliner will make a fine NFL player.
The charismatic Alabama cornerback took to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine this past weekend and wowed reporters with his confidence, his attention to detail, presenting himself as unsatisfied by just being the best college cornerback; he’s always looking to improve.
During his downtime, Milliner admitted to watching Mississippi State and Florida State games because he knew Johnathan Banks and Xavier Rhodes were close to his equal and he wanted to find out if the two were using some strategies he wasn’t.
“Anytime they’ve got a game and we ain’t playing or we’ve got a game later on, or we got a game early and they play at nighttime, you always got to look at them, check them out,” Milliner said. “That’s guys you know you’re going to eventually go up against and eventually you become friends with them because you know you’re going to run into them at things like this.
“You just always want to get a good relationship and a good feel of the people you know you’re going to go against and see at your position.”
It wasn’t just Banks and Rhodes, of course Milliner watched the NFL, too. And unlike in the NCAA, where a corner might get a 15-yard penality for a perceived bad hit or late hit, in warden commissioner Roger Goodell’s NFL, good, physical hits will more likely get you run out of the league rather than lauded. Milliner said he knows he must be mindful and how he drills a receiver — and who — on the NFL level.
“You have to watch yourself nowadays,” Milliner said. “If you have late hit, better be ready to give some cash up. But it doesn’t change me as a player. This is a physical game. You just have to watch yourself and be careful when you are making plays on the ball.”
It sure seems like Milliner has everything you would want mentally in a cornerback. The question is, if he slips to No. 13, does Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik take him?
Joe has been told over and over again this past weekend that while there really are no top shelf corners, the draft is very deep, three rounds deep, in corners.
It is very possible that Dominik waits to the second round where it is possible Banks will be sitting at No. 45.
And there is always that chance Dominik could use the fourth-round pick stolen from the Patriots for Aqib Talib to trade up from No. 45 for Rhodes.
February 26th, 2013 at 9:05 am
Got my EYEBALLS on 10 DB’s today. So it is DEEP. Looking for reasons to eliminate guys…as possible Bucs. Can’t wait till 9am
February 26th, 2013 at 9:26 am
I’ll be watching too, Justin! That Milliner is one great looking CB. That is the one sure pick I would make at 13. I’ve heard he doesn’t have great speed and he has trouble with his back peddle, even so, I doubt he gets past Philly. And in a rare pre-draft revelation, Detroit has openly stated that if he’s there at #5, it’s a done deal.
February 26th, 2013 at 9:43 am
Keep your eye on Banks and Trufant, that’s whom I think the Bucs target for a DB. Millner, I assume, will be gone.
February 26th, 2013 at 9:44 am
There is a lot of value in the 2nd & 3rd rd. I see the Bucs trading down to get more picks and take DT/DE Margus Hunt. Also like the idea of taking the TE Tyler Eifert in the 2nd. Then Maybe trade back into the 2nd rd and take Rhodes. Would like to get Sean Smith from the Dolphins. Him and Rhodes are good Press CBs. Could probably get David Amerson in the 3rd to play FS.
February 26th, 2013 at 9:50 am
I am all for going after a pass ruch (Dion Jordan?)
but….if Dee is there, I cannot see passing on him.
There is value and I would grab a CB in rd 2-3 and one in free agency.
But they also need to get a DE, TE, and RT.
I see th RT coming from free agency
February 26th, 2013 at 9:51 am
Rhodes may be the best of the bunch def the most physical imo… Expect hom to run in the high 4.4 low 4.5 if so I believ hewill be first cb off the board…personally hope not and bucs have a shot at him plays like a r.sherman badly needed on this team
February 26th, 2013 at 9:58 am
@Macabee I heard Detroit’s coach on SiriusXM say that he was disappointed Banks didnt attend the Senior Bowl (so they definitely grab a CB in Rd 1 or 2)
@bucfanjeff I’m watching game film on Trufant today! Saw Banks already. Love his long arms and competiveness. Always tries to rip the ball out
@SirustheVirus If we end up with Eifert & Rhodes, It’ll be a successful draft! Worried about Amerson’s confidence when he gets beat. Worried that Hunt “looks like Tarzan..play like Jane” ????
February 26th, 2013 at 10:01 am
@Dave. …Bill Polian said on SiriusXM last night that Dion Jordan belongs in a 3-4 defense….fyi
February 26th, 2013 at 10:22 am
No way we draft a cb @13 who’s not milliner. If he’s gon which he should b I hope everyone seen that slow @ss 4.6 banks just ran do Id kindly like all the mockers to drop him off our board at that high maybe 2nd round but for my 13 pick I’m takin Jarvis Jones mark my words he will fall an we will have our clay Matthew/Von miller an Jill two birds one stone. Outside lb first an second down with hand n the dirt edge rusher on 3rd down n obvious passing situations…….. An in still hoping we snake Rex Ryan outa revis to go with that for maybe a 2nd and fourth an Blount since the jets Dnt have a stating rb under contract … BUC WIT US OR WALK THE PLANK!!!
February 26th, 2013 at 10:33 am
Milliner just became a top ten pick with that 40 time.
February 26th, 2013 at 10:36 am
That speed question has been answered – top 5 pick!
February 26th, 2013 at 10:38 am
@BucNasty
No Revis!!! Not for that price!! We could only dream they’d take that offer!
@Justin P
Amerson would be good in the 3rd rd definitly wouldn’t take him earlier. I know we can all agree I’d take him over Biggers,M.Lewis, and L.Johnson.
February 26th, 2013 at 10:39 am
Banks will be there in Rd 2 if Bucs want him
February 26th, 2013 at 10:48 am
Where is Xavier Rhodes?
February 26th, 2013 at 10:55 am
I forgot about Group 2. I want to see Rhodes, Trufant, Logan Ryan, and Ken Vacarro.
February 26th, 2013 at 10:55 am
It’s funny to see so many people say take Banks and Rhodes in round 2. Hello!!! They might be gone at the end of round one. As bad as we need a CB it is true that it would be bad to reach, however we can handle the CB in free agency, and get Dion Jordan Kenny Vacarro, Hunt etc
February 26th, 2013 at 10:57 am
@ situs the virus revis contract numbers aren’t the problem u get paid what your worth n he’s worth his wage it’s e wright u should have that convo wit.. So would u rather revis at 16 mill an biggers at 3 or 4 or a rookie at the minimum, or wright at 8 an another mid level lets say s smith or grimes or whoever at another 8 or 9 mill that’s the question an for a 20 mil cornerback purse I’m takin revis an company over w/e else cuz revis will hold his own an the company can have the saftey over the top help it’s all about the numbers baby an we got that checkbook lets make it happen
February 26th, 2013 at 11:00 am
Pay for garbage that’s what u get we have to stop bargain shopping an bring n some real talent so when there up for a interact we have no problem paying quality talent an we won’t b stuck staring at MYRON LEWIS!!!!!! Sorry I had to get that out lol
February 26th, 2013 at 11:05 am
Justin P’s Dwindling Radio “career” Says
Yeah, I know. Personally sick of these guys being cornered into one or the other.
If you can get after the QB it does not matter. He is the same size as Simeon Rice, he did pretty good.They need pass rushers at DE. They have Clayborne who is a power guy. They have Bowers who is a question mark. They have Bennett who is a blue collar guy.
They need a speed guy. Dion Jordan is fantastic and fast.
February 26th, 2013 at 11:08 am
If there is no chance at Dee, then they need to go DE and grab a CB in round 2-3. I see Dave Amerson as a possibility. Tall, fast, good mixing it up in zone and man.
February 26th, 2013 at 11:32 am
Joe, rumours ate flying around that the panthers are going to go after Wallace on march 12. How scary would that be with the corners we have now. We need a star corner or were screwed
February 26th, 2013 at 11:59 am
@BucNasty – Joe Haden ran a 4.57 and is doing fantastic for the Browns. I would not count out Banks because he ran a “slow?” 4.59!
February 26th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
I know I’m the odd man out here but why no talk of Tavon Austin to the Bucs at 13? Ignore ‘need’ and what really matters is getting a difference maker at #13. Besides I’d argue we ‘need’ better field position and we ‘need’ 7 extra points a game as much as we ‘need’ better DB’s. The draft is deep at CB but the draft isn’t deep at Tavon Austin. A FA CB, and a DB in the 2nd and 3rd round (remember it’s a deep draft) more than solves our issues there. Also, I believe Schiano kinda likes WV players and Austin did a number on them in 2011 Rec:8-67-1 Rush:2 96-1
February 26th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
@BucNasty
Do you know what CBs have been in the superbowl the past 4 years? No one as good of mabey half as good as Revis. That being said Revis holds out all the time and yes he is the best, but the best hasn’t got the Jets to the Superbowl. I’d rather have A.Cromartie than Revis just my opinion. Who says he comes back the same. Who says he doesn’t re-injure his ACL. Would rather put that money on other holes in our Defense.
February 26th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
If Ezekiel Ansah is not there at #13-Dom PLEASE TRADE THE F#*K BACK..
February 26th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Hey Sirus the Virus,
Revis is a boss. He held out because the Jets are stupid and paid the wrong guy, should not have extended Sanchez.
Maybe Revis could have led them to a Super Bowl, if he was the guy taking the snaps?
Revis is the best, and in our division we have: Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton. Not only that, but we have to stop: Steve Smith, Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Julion Jones, Roddy White, Steve Smith, Tony Gonzalez.
Revis is the BEST POSSIBLE CB to add to our team, period.
February 26th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Sirus the Virus,
What QBs went to and won the Superbowl the last 4 years?
Everyone of them was better than Freeman, so we will either need to drastically improve CB or QB, or both.
February 26th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
@SteveK
I’m not saying he’s not the best. I’m saying you can win in this league without Revis and I would rather have Elite Pass Rush then Elite CB. The Saints games Brees had all day to throw which no CB not even Revis will be able to cover a WR if the QB has all day to throw to him. We beat the Panthers twice. We beat Atlanta the last game with UFA and they had there 2 1st rd picks and lost by one point the time before( which I blame on there play calling or else we had that game. We lost alot of games getting to conservative with the play calling. Also are CBs looked bad because of play calling and no pass rush. I’ll Take a J.J.Watts or Von Miller over a Revis. For the money he wants we can get 2 CB’s that are solid mabey not Elite or a true shut down corners, but solid as starters in the league.
February 26th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Exactly I would rather spend that money on an Elite QB then CB.
February 26th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Eli Manning has been in the league for 8yrs. And half of those years, his passing percentage has been below 60%. Half of those 8yrs; New York Media & Fans have pleading for the organization to move in a different direction without Eli.
The Giants have won Not 1 but 2 Super Bowls with a monster pass rush. You ask the causal Giants fan; name the starting defensive backs on those teams. You will get S*#t I don’t know. Now Ask them about that pass rush(aka Tree Trunks per Brady). They will quickly spit out Osi ,Tuck, JPP, and Kiwi. That’s because, pass rush will neutralize the best of QB’s and yes wins Championships!!!
February 26th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Milliner ran around a 4.31 he is going in the top 5.
February 26th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Sure he’s “WAS” a 3x All-Pro (before the ACL injury)
Recap:
*“He torn anterior cruciate ligament in a non-contact play against the Dolphins as he tried to defend a screen pass in the open field.”
*Placed on injured reserve on October 12, 2012
*Generally takes six to nine months to recover
*As of right now he is basically 4 months into his rehab. Dude hasn’t been in ANY CONTACT DRILLS. Hasn’t tackled a damn soul, or shown ANYONE that he’s fully recovered. And has the nerve to be asking for QB money(WTF)
February 26th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
@SteveK
Name the last CB on a SUPER BOWL WINNING TEAM that was getting paid like the TOP QB’S in the League?
February 26th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dallas Cowboys
New England Patriots
San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers
New York Giants
Washington Redskins
Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
Miami Dolphins
Dam still cant find Not one. Sure Sanders & Law made some good money. But ELITE QB money.
February 26th, 2013 at 1:56 pm
XAVIER RHODES <<●●●●●●● STUD #13 Pick of your Tampa Bay Buccaneers BUDDY!
February 26th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
if Milliner is there with the 13th picks the bucs better run to the podium and take him, regardless of weather or not this draft is deep with decent talent in the later rounds. Milliner may not compare to elite CB in previous drafts, but make no mistake about it he is the best CB in this draft and for the situation we are in that is exactly what we need. we need the best CB in this draft. we cannot afford to pu$sy foot around and wait for one in the later rounds. now if we are able to take Milliner at 13 and Banks is there with our second round pick, then by all means take both. but dont sacrifice one for the other.
February 26th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
I doubt he will be there at 13 though.
February 26th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Dee will be gone draft in round 1. Best scenario IMO S.Floyd DT, L.Johnson OT, T.Austin WR or trade down, round 2. R.Alford CB had a strong senior bowl and great combine, great CB IMO, round 3 best available TE or Honey Badger, round 4 Phillip Stewart LB from Houston…..just some random thoughts what does BUCSNATION think??????
February 26th, 2013 at 5:09 pm
I think for the most part the Combine is BS. is it good to run a sub 4.30, sure. but it is not the be all end all. for example, Doug Martin last year ran a 4.55 at the combine, which is average for a running back. Yet Doug Martin is anything but average. The game tape is what really matters.
February 26th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
@Andrew 1
The 40 time is a big deal to WR’s and CB’s. RB’s do not need to run fast 40 times to be a great back. They need agility, power, and vision so 40 times mean you can outrun the secondary, but that it’s useless if you can find the hole or break a tackle. Doug had power, agility, vision, and enough speed to do a lot of damage.
WR’s and CB’s tend to need speed, because average speed will help you with burners Mike Wallace. For WR if your not Anquan Boldin average speed will only get you so far, unless your 6-4. You will get shut down.
February 26th, 2013 at 6:08 pm
@ Sneedy16
a WR can run a 4.20 but if he cant catch then it is a moot point. btw how many Mike Wallace’s are there? a handful maybe. There are plenty of WR who did not run nearly as fast as Wallace at the combine who have been very successful. like I meant to say before regardless of position the 40 time is not the be all end all.
February 26th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
just my opinion.
February 26th, 2013 at 6:22 pm
for example
here are some of the 2011 combine 40 yard dash results for WRs
Randall Cobb= 4.46
A.J. GREEN!= 4.50
JULIO JONES!= 4.39
wouldnt you agree that those guys have been successful thus far? and yet none of those guys ran anything near Mike Wallaces 4.29. btw no one in that draft class ran in the 4.20s. you just dont see it that often.
February 26th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
oops, correction Wallace ran a 4.28.
February 26th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
you can also include Torrey Smith in that list. accidentally forgot to add him.
Torrey Smith= 4.43