High Side by Maurile Tremblay
Billy Miller and Todd Heap were the only two tight ends in the league to lead their teams in receptions in 2002. Among all tight ends, Miller was fifth in receiving yards (613), and tied for fifth in fantasy points per game (5.7).
The Texans' offense, which was worst in the league last year, should improve with the acquisitions of running back Stacey Mack and offensive linemen Zach Wiegert and Greg Randall. The improvement ought to help Miller add to his numbers from last year, especially in the touchdown department. (David Carr threw only 11 touchdown passes in 2002; three of them were to Miller.)
In addition, the presence of WR Andre Johnson, the team's top draft pick, should prevent opponents from assigning a defensive back to cover Miller, as they often did last year. More frequent match-ups against linebackers instead of safeties can only be good for Miller.
Some may downgrade Miller because the Texans selected a tight end, Bennie Joppru, in the second round of this year's draft. I believe a downgrade for that reason would be a mistake. Although Joppru is not totally one-dimensional, the 274-pounder is known primarily for his blocking, while Miller is primarily a receiver. The Texans like to use multiple-tight end sets, so both Joppru and Miller will get plenty of playing time; but Joppru's presence shouldn't hurt Miller's receiving numbers any more than Ken Dilger's presence hurt Marcus Pollard's receiving numbers in 2001.
A rising tide lifts all ships, and the Texans' offense can only get better. I expect the undervalued Miller to hold his place in the upper second tier of fantasy tight ends.
Low Side by David Shick
Miller is not a special talent. For a guy that is know as a receiving TE, he won't impress you with his speed or great hands. His statistics during the 2002 season were mostly due to a lack of options in the Houston offense. Houston is looking to improve. If they wanted to just survive and remain one of the worst teams in the NFL, Miller would most likely still be worthy of starting on a fantasy team this coming year.
As the team improves, they will look elsewhere for production. QB David Carr will get the opportunity to showcase his rocket arm by utilizing his growing stable of WRs. Houston spent their first two picks in the 2003 draft on WR Andre Johnson (MIA) and TE Bennie Joppru (MICH). Johnson is expected to contribute immediately. Talk is that Joppru may even compete for the starting position. The book on Joppru is that he's an average blocking TE with great hands.
Miller put some numbers up while the Texans spent the year searching for an identity. He won't lead his team in receptions again. He may not even lead his team in TE receptions. Further casting doubt on Miller's situation, he isn't even signed to a contract as of this writing. If Houston does sign him to a contract, the length and terms of this contract may speak volumes about how they feel with regard to him being a centerpiece of the Houston offense in the future.
Nothing I would like more than for Billy to get the chance to represent the Texans again. I would be estatic!!! BUT!! Doubtful it will ever happen! David Carr and Billy Miller are friends. David lives in Sienna Plantation. Most likely just down for a visit.
