PFF boldly predicts Kendre Miller could be Saints leading rusher in 2025

Pro Football Focus' Nathan Jahnke had a bold take for Kendre Miller's 2025 campaign. Jahnke believes "there is at least a possibility Miller can lead the team in rushing yards even if Alvin Kamara stays healthy the entire season."

Even the strongest Kendre Miller supporter wouldn't suggest Miller would be the team's lead back. Jahnke went out on that limb and left it as a possibility.

Why you should be excited about Kendre Miller

The hype around Miller may not make sense to those outside of New Orleans. The running back passes the eye test much better than a stat test. Jahnke points out looking at Miller from a yearly or even weekly basis. In order to accurately portray Miller’s effectiveness, Jahnke looks at Miller on a snap-by-snap basis.

Miller has excelled at eluding defenders during his few touches. He's top-six in avoided tackles per attempt. There has been multiple times where Miller has had defenders in his face before getting to the line of scrimmage and has successfully avoided the defenders. He ranks in the top-six in yards per route run among running backs.

When compared to Kamara, specifically, Miller has the edge after contact. Miller has more yards after contact, double the amount of avoided tackles per attempt and a better first down rate. Combine those advantages with the age gap. Jahnke sees Miller ascend and Kamara on a natural decline. The throne could be for the taking. Can Miller take it.

Injuries have held back Miller's progress?

There’s not much positive that comes from being injured, but there’s a bit of silver lining. Miller’s lack of being on the field has resulted in carries, which in turn results in a lack of wear and tear. 

Miller has seen multiple injuries, but they’ve all been sprains. Even his MCL injury from college didn’t require surgery. Hamstring injuries are irritating and have a chance to be recurring, just look at Marshon Lattimore. 

Miller isn’t completely in the clear, but theoretically, constant injuries could become a thing of the past. If Miller is able to do that, he still has a lot of miles left in him. 

Miller is going into Year 3, but he’s only seen 80 carries and 101 total touches. Additionally, Miller is only 23 years old. He still has multiple years ahead of him, but he’ll have to stay healthy. 

However, forget looking years in advance. Jahnke’s prediction is for 2025, and it will be a pivotal season for Miller with the rookie breathing down his neck.