Dee Milliner, CB

04/25/2013 - ROB RANG'S FINAL 2013 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: 4. *Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: Athletic, productive against elite competition and tough enough to star not only at corner but also on the Tide's special-teams' units, Milliner ranks as the top defensive back in the 2013 draft class and among the elite prospects, overall. While some in the media have voiced concerns about his recovery from post-combine surgery to repair a torn labrum, as well as previous surgeries while at Alabama, multiple league sources have indicated to NFLDraftScout.com that Milliner's medical was not an issue. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

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With his hometown less than two hours from Tuscaloosa, it was a natural fit for the heavily-recruited Milliner to join the Crimson Tide.

He was a five-star prospect and the No. 1-rated cornerback in the country by Scout.com and No. 2 by ESPNU and Rivals.com. Milliner played in the Under Armour All-America Game and the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game before arriving on campus.

Milliner started 11 games and played in all 13 as a true freshman, recording 55 tackles, seven passes broken up and an interception in earning freshman All-SEC honors in 2010.

He started six of 12 games on an defensive unit packed with NFL talent in 2011. Milliner started in nickel and dime packages, playing outside with DeQuan Menzie moving inside. He finished the season with 26 tackles and was second on the team with nine pass breakups and recorded a team-high three interceptions. He also contributed heavily on the kickoff coverage team with seven solo tackles on special teams.

Milliner's breakout season came in 2012, as he was a first-team All-American and unanimous All-SEC first-team pick after finishing the regular season tied for third nationally with 18 passes defensed. He totaled 54 tackles, four for loss and 22 pass break-ups by the time Alabama wrapped up the national title.

He did all of the drills at the combine despite a shoulder injury that required surgery after the event. Most important, Milliner ran a 4.31 and a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at Indianapolis, answering questions about his straight-line speed and solidifying his position as a Top 10 selection.

STRENGTHS: Built well for the position. Plays with excellent coordination and smooth hips, using his arms and hands to knock down throws. Excellent awareness and read/react ability, getting his head turned and uses his eyes well to quickly find the ball.

Attacks the run and is a very good tackler, never backing down. He is a bruising hitter and does a nice job separating ball from receiver with terrific timing. Plays tight bump-and-run and enjoys pressing with little cushion. Closes quickly and baits throws, looking to make a play on each snap.

Smart and disciplined, but not shy about coming off his man to make a play. Physical striker and does a nice job avoiding blocks while keeping his eye on the ball. He processes information quickly and looks comfortable in space.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks elite speed and quick-twitch ability. Plays too aggressive at times and will take himself out of the play, missing some tackles. Has just one full season as a starter. Needs to refine some of his cover technique, most notably his backpedal.

COMPARES TO: Charles Tillman, CB, Chicago Bears -- Similar size and ballhawking ability when the ball is in the air.

-- Dane Brugler