Race to the Edge - Quinn v. Miller

Photo finish heading into Draft

Debated, over analyzed, and self promoted (see Miller) this duo are vying for the spot as top pass rusher heading into 2011 NFL Draft.  But who has the edge? They both had terrific campaigns in 2009 (see table below).  Things got trickier in 2010 as Quinn was suspended and Miller played with an ankle sprain which limited his playmaking ability.  Let’s get into the numbers to see who rules the QB sack kingdom. 

 

The Physics

Name	Height	Weight (lbs)	40 time	225 lb reps	Vertical Jump	Shuttle
Robert Quinn	6’4”	265	4.60	24	34	4.31
Von Miller	6’3’	246	4.42	21	37	4.06

 

The Production

2009	Games	Sacks	Forced Fumble	Tackles (loss)	Tackles
Robert Quinn	12	11 (Soph)	6	19	52
Von Miller	12	17 (Jr)	4	21	44

Von Miller seems to have the edge in production, speed (40 time & shuttle) and explosiveness (vertical jump).  Robert Quinn has size and strength advantage and is younger (Quinn will turn 21 in May – Miller is 22).  It would have been interesting to see what Quinn would have done his Junior year.  What really stands out is the shuttle time by Miller (4.06) as we haven’t seen an edge rusher post that kind of number since DeMarcus Ware ran a 4.07 at combine in 2005.

We like Robert Quinn and feel he is a better fit for the Cardinals 4-3 defense and will be selected #5 overall.  However, Von Miller is the better athlete and is superior to Quinn in speed and explosiveness, and has similar size to other NFL edge rushers who have enjoyed considerable success (Clay Matthews, Trent Cole and Robert Mathis).  It wouldn’t shock us if Denver decides to go with Von Miller over Patrick Peterson at #2.

 

Where they Project: 

Robert Quinn: Raw athlete whose lateral movement and short-area burstwould make a transition to 3-4 rush linebacker possible.  Ideally he would play DE in 4-3. What is rare about Quinn is his burst off the edge at 265 pounds.  We see a player that is driven to succeed.  Many point out his brain tumor surgery as an area of concern.  We disagree wholeheartedly.  We think that overcoming such a huge obstacle (Quinn was told by doctors he would never play sports again) gives Quinn an advantage.  Lance Armstrong once wrote that winning became easy when compared to life and death outcomes.

Von Miller: With Miller standing up his junior year and rushing the QB from the hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position called the "joker” we feel he is perfect fit for 3-4 OLB.  Miller is capable of playing DE in a 4-3 as his size is very similar to Trent Cole of the Philadelphia Eagles who play a 4-3 defense.  But we think Miller can be a better player standing up and getting after it.