Prior to the 2024 season, a few big names followed Jonathan Smith to Michigan State when he accepted the head coaching job. One of those big names was All-Pac-12 offensive lineman Tanner Miller who figured to be one of the best newcomers on the roster.
Not only was he a good player along the Spartans' offensive line, but he was voted one of the team's five co-captains before the season, showing that his teammates respected him.
The sixth-year senior captain started all 12 games at center and was one of the best pass blockers on the team. The offensive line was not a strength this past season, but Miller was one of the most consistent players up front.
Following Jim Michalczik and Smith to East Lansing felt like the right move for the former second-team All-American (ESPN) in 2023.
However, he went seven rounds without hearing his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft and waited to make a deal as an undrafted free agent shortly after. When that didn't happen, the Las Vegas Raiders came calling to invite him to participate in minicamp.
Tanner’s taking on Vegas 🎰 pic.twitter.com/VqYugoBeST
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) April 28, 2025
According to the Raiders' official site, the team's minicamp will take place from June 10-12 and this will be the opportunity that Miller has been waiting for to prove himself worthy of an NFL roster spot. He has an uphill battle ahead of him, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him catch on with an NFL team as a practice squad member, eventually working himself onto a roster.
Miller was one of my Spartan picks to be an NFL Draft prospect a year ago around this time.