News: San Francisco FB/LB Bruce Miller caught his first-career touchdown pass on Sunday of Week 9 in Washington. Miller caught a 30-yard strike down the left sideline with just over a minute to play in the first half against the Redskins. Quarterback Alex Smith found Miller streaking open following a lost fumble by the Redskins. It was Miller's, a former Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year for UCF, first catch of the season.
Analysis: Miller was a defensive player in college at UCF, but the 49ers have decided to use him as a fullback. Miller has seen some special teams tackles this season, but the touchdown Sunday came completely out of the blue. We don't expect that to become a trend for Miller, so Fantasy owners don't need to rush out and get him for Week 10 against the New York Giants.
News: The 49ers announced Wednesday that they signed seventh-round pick Bruce Miller to a four-year deal. The LB/FB will play offense for his new team, though he was Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, so he expressed being "shocked" about making the position change when he learned of it in May.
Analysis: Though he was shocked with the position change, Miller plans to take on the new challenge full speed. He is athletic enough to make the transition, and it can be a big one if he paves holes for a top-notch RB like Frank Gore. Still, his job will not include carrying the ball enough to warrant much Fantasy value. Miller may also see time as a reserve pass-rusher, though it too won't spark enough production to be considered on Draft Day.
News: The 49ers selected Central Florida fullback Bruce Miller in the seventh round of the NFL draft. Miller played defensive end in college but worked out for teams as a fullback leading up to the draft. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound Miller was the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, so he expressed being "shocked" about making the position change -- but is eager to take on the challenge. Miller had 63 tackles, 8 1/2 sacks and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns, last season as a senior. "I am kind of shocked," Miller said upon getting drafted. "I wasn't expecting for any of the teams, it was kind of hard for me to believe that I was going to have a chance to play linebacker; that was a little bit more realistic than fullback. So, I'm pretty shocked that I got the opportunity to play as a fullback, however, they did say that, 'Come in and hopefully get comfortable at the position and maybe in a little while we can try some rush on the defensive side.'"
Analysis: Miller is a flat-out athlete who the Niners hope they can turn into a great run blocker and perhaps a backup pass rusher as well. Despite the potential number of stats that a player might get playing on offense and defense, Miller isn't worth a pick in Fantasy drafts.
