Unfortunately, a freak injury in the Browns' first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings ended Miller's season before it really began. The 6'5" 266-pound linebacker tore his achilles tendon while planting his foot during a running play. Like other high-profile achilles injuries (Vinny Testaverde comes to mind), there was no contact on the play. Miller will miss the entire 2002 season.

If Miller can recover fully from the injury, he'll bring an impressive set of tools to the table in 2003. Miller is a top-flight athlete with all the measurables--a guy who can manhandle running backs, chase down receivers, and terrorize QBs. Despite his size, Miller possesses serious straight ahead speed, allowing him to charge off the edge and pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Miller's injury couldn't come at a worse time. The undisputed leader of a potent Browns defense, Miller had finally broken through after a string of disappointing seasons. The Browns were counting on Miller and defensive end Courtney Brown to supply the pass rush for a defense that had been retooled to stop the run. The injury will likely derail any hope Miller had of inking a lucrative, long-term contract with the Browns.