Florida football: Should Ventrell Miller return for 2022?

Ventrell Miller had been a solid fixture in the Florida football program’s linebacker core in the previous two seasons. However, Miller’s 2021 season was a short lived one, he had season ending surgery on his bicep after the Gators second game of the season. Miller seemed to be destined to be playing on Sundays like many of his teammates are, but has this injury derailed his chances?

Miller was coming off a breakout season in 2020 where he recorded 86 tackles and 3.5 sacks. It seemed that if he could keep the momentum rolling into the 2021 season that he would be a 3rd-4th round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The injury will surely raise questions about him heading into the draft. Can he perform at the same level still? Does he slide to the 3rd day of the draft? Does he get drafted at all?

With all of the uncertainty regarding Miller’s health, he also has to battle the demons of off-field problems. NFL teams look into anything and everything before selecting someone in the draft. Ventrell was suspended for an entire season his freshman year for his role in an identity theft scandal.

The arrival of new head coach Billy Napier could be a blessing for Miller. Napier intends to build a physical style of football and you can bet he is going to lean heavily on defensive play, something Florida football has lacked over the past two seasons.

Miller should take this opportunity to stay one more season and be the shining star on the Gators defense. He has a chance to anchor the linebacking core with Brenton Cox Jr. (given he does not enter the NFL Draft) and let Billy Napier push his talent.

I’m sure Miller’s mind and play has been corrupted by former defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, and could use a big reset and one more season before he declares for the 2023 NFL draft. Come back Ventrell, make yourself a sure minimum day two pick at the draft. Trust in Billy Napier and the new Gator way.