Rookie Wage Scale Will Hurt Broncos’ Miller

Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller responds to questions during a news conference after he was selected as the second overall pick by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL football draft, at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, April 28, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

Since being drafted second overall in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, Denver Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller has been a busy man.

Miller spent time in College Station, Texas working out with former college teammates and learning the 4-3 defense and has also worked out with several of his new teammates.  The former Aggie has also already chosen to wear jersey #58, in honor of the late, great Derrick Thomas.

Miller’s Madden NFL 12 rating is among the top six rookie rankings, with a 79 overall rating in the popular video game.  Needless to say, Bronco fans are anxious to see Miller play in a real game, wearing a Broncos uniform.

The next step: sign an NFL contract.

When the lockout is lifted Denver will have to sign their nine drafted rookies to contracts, preferably before the start of Training Camp.  Miller will most likely be the last of Denver’s rookies to sign, settling for much less than Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh received last year.  Suh, the 2010 second overall selection, received a 5-year, $60 million contract that including $40 in guaranteed money.  Miller won’t get anything close to that under the new rookie wage scale.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post speculates that Miller could see a contract in the range of $20 million with as little as $10 million in guaranteed money.  Last year, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, Denver’s first selection (22nd overall), received a $12.155 million dollar deal, with $9.35 million coming in guaranteed money.

The Broncos would like to sign Miller as quickly as possible so he doesn’t miss any vital practice time with the team.  First things first however, the lockout has to be lifted before the team can make any transactions.