49ers: 5 linebackers for San Francisco to select in the 2019 NFL Draft

Kendall Joseph #34 of the Clemson Tigers (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Kendall Joseph #34 of the Clemson Tigers (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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49ers 2019 NFL Draft linebackers
Christian Miller #47 of the Alabama Crimson Tide  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Christian Miller

Out of Alabama, Christian Miller measures in at 6-foot-4, and 244 pounds. He brings good size and weight, along with a physical and aggressive playing style. His long arms will only further benefit his prospects, given his ability to make plays that would ordinarily be out of other players’ reach.

However, with limited production and game time throughout his college career, Miller is still somewhat of a risk. He also suffered a torn bicep in his junior year which saw him miss the majority of the season.

Per The Draft Network:

"Miller was excellent in 2018, showing off a diverse pass rush plan, terrific hand usage and the physicality needed to help offset his lack of elite athleticism. Miller may not be the most high ceiling edge defender in the class, but he looks like a solid rotational player in the NFL who can play in a variety of fronts and stances while providing some versatility in coverage or as a rusher."

2018 was Miller’s best season, with the linebacker recording a combined 34 tackles which included 11 for a loss. He also had eight sacks along with one pass deflection and one fumble recovery.

While maybe not quite ready to start in the NFL, Miller should be able to provide added depth as a second-string player while he undergoes further development. His ability to be effective off the edge also makes him an attractive pick for the 49ers.