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Philadelphia Eagles Film Study: Mike Weber is waiting to breakout

By Malcolm Davis

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) is congratulated by offensive lineman Jamarco Jones (74) and tight end Marcus Baugh (85) after his third quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) is congratulated by offensive lineman Jamarco Jones (74) and tight end Marcus Baugh (85) after his third quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) carries the ball to score a touchdown past Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) carries the ball to score a touchdown past Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro Comparison: Lamar Miller

Much like Mike Weber, Lamar Miller was a player that produced early in college, showing immense ability at the University of Miami on limited carries. Miller turned 335 career carries into 1,918 and 15 total touchdowns. In his career, Miller also returned 15 kicks for 376 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his superb athletics. After a redshirt Sophomore year where Miller recorded 1,357 total yards and ten total touchdowns, he made the leap to the NFL.

Miller was selected with the 97th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins, and the expectation was that the native Floridian would be a major boost to the ‘Fins offense. However, in Miller’s four seasons as a Dolphin’s running back, he only racked up 2,930 career rushing yards on 638 carries (4.6 yards per carry). Miller struggled with injuries during his time in Miami, and never truly received a full workload as an RB1.

Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Korey Toomer (56) attempts the tackle during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Korey Toomer (56) attempts the tackle during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

During the 2016 off-season, Miller inked a 4 year/$26 million dollar deal with the Houston Texans. Miller finally received an RB1 workload, and produced mixed results, toting the ball 268 times for 1,073 yards. The 268 carries were a career high, and 2016 marked the second time Miller broke the 1,000 yard mark in his career. Miller was dinged up several times during the season however, leading the Texans to draft former Texas running back D’Onta Foreman to help spell Miller during the 2017 season. Miller will need to improve on the  4 yards per carry he averaged in 2016, as he left a lot of yards on the field.

While Miller is definitely a better athlete than Weber, they are very similar in their running styles. Miller is a rugged runner, that has an underrated tackle breaking ability, and can pick up yards after contact. As a college runner, Miller flashed great potential, and showed great agility on film. Weber is in position to capitalize on a strong redshirt Sophomore season like Miller, and can be selected even higher than Miller’s 97th overall selection. Weber is a stronger back than Miller, and presents as a better pass catcher. Even with his plus athleticism, Miller has never really been a strong pass catcher. If Weber makes significant strides this season as a receiver, he will likely vault himself into mid second round value.

Weber is just another of several really talented backs that Joe Douglas and Howie Roseman should consider for the 2018 NFL Draft. Weber is still really young, and would be a common sense fit for the Eagles offense.

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