2007 NFL Draft: Milner Goes From Athens to Atlanta

By Jeremy White, NFLHS.com

The University of Georgia knows a good tight end when it sees one. The latest product of this position in Athens is Martrez Milner.

At 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds, he's got the perfectly honed tight end's body. He's also got the clout that comes along with playing tight end at Georgia: he played behind Randy McMichael, Ben Watson and Leonard Pope during his collegiate career, all of whom entered the NFL ranks.

What Milner doesn't have is an ideal set of receiver's hands. He had his share of dropped passes at Georgia, something he vows will improve as he fights for a spot on an NFL club.

Milner (#87) and Kris Durham celebrate after Milner scored a touchdown during the Chick-fil-a Bowl on December 30, 2006.

"One of my weaknesses is catching the ball," he admits. "So I've put more emphasis on it. You always have room for improvement. I'm a better blocker than a receiver, so I've worked on getting better with my hands because that's part of the job, part of being a complete tight end."

It didn't keep the Atlanta Falcons from being interested in Milner; the team made Milner at fourth-round choice in the NFL Draft April 29.

Now more than ever, coaches expect their tight ends to be equally adept in both facets of the demanding position. For Milner's part, he says most dropped balls can be corrected by bearing down mentally.

"It's a lack of concentration mostly," he says. "Usually you're trying to run before you catch the ball. Sometimes I catch the hard balls and drop the easy balls."

Apparently Milner's concentration improved in 2006, as he was plagued by fewer drops. He finished the season with 30 receptions for 425 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 14.2 yards per catch. As a junior, when Pope was the focal point of the passing game (he tallied 39 catches in 2005), Milner recorded just 14 catches for 291 yards and a pair of scores.

Milner was a linebacker, defensive end and receiver at West Hall High School in Georgia. He also played forward on the basketball team and says playing multiple positions and multiple sports helped hone his athleticism and skill level. He recommends that varsity football players take part in other sports.

"Whatever you do, go hard," he says. "Put all of yourself into it. When you're part of a legacy you don't want to be the one to let it down."

His advice for tight ends is the same preaching he currently practices himself.

"Work on being an all-around athlete," Milner says. "You need to be at this position. Work on your speed and blocking as well as catching the ball."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.