NFL Notes: Brock Miller, Jaguars, Patriots, Titans

Brock Miller

Earlier in the week, the Jaguars brought in free agent P Brock Miller for a tryout to give their returners some reps fielding punts from a left-footed punter.

Miller has worked out for several teams this year who were looking to do the same and he tells Ian Rapoport that he’s appreciative of the opportunities.

“I know a lot of teams are really appreciative of when they can get me in, but it’s really a two-way street,” Miller said. “It helps me out, too. A small-school guy, it helps teams find out who I am, getting my name out there. Plus, to help a great team like the Jaguars in the playoffs, help them prepare for a guy like Ryan Allen, just get the returners comfortable. It’s like a trend.”

“[Thursday’s] workout was my 10th of the 2017 season,” Miller said. “The Jaguars even did it before they played Cincinnati [which has lefty punter Kevin Huber]. I’ve been to Cleveland, Chicago, the Niners. And for the most part, it’s the same every workout. This time, warmed up indoors, then after practice with [special teams coach Joe DeCamillis], they had me hit a some spirals out of my hand, left and right with the wind to get returners seeing the ball turn over. Then some when it doesn’t turn over. They even had me do some Australian rules, end-over-end punts because that looks different from lefties, too. It’s just about getting them comfortable back there.”

Last year, the 49ers signed Miller to a futures contract only to waive him shortly after the NFL draft.

Miller is hoping to secure another opportunity with a team once the season is over.

“Hopefully someone pulls the trigger after the season wraps up,” Miller said.

Jaguars

• Not only did the Jaguars work out Brock Miller this week (NFLTR), but they also brought in P A.J. Hughes for a tryout on Friday. (NFLTR)

Patriots

• According to Ben Volin, Patriots executive Nick Caserio, who was blocked from interviewing for the Texans’ GM job, is still “no lock to be back with the Patriots next season.”
• Volin mentions that the Panthers could be a team to watch for Caserio, given that major changes could be coming with the team up for sale and interim GM in place in Marty Hurney.

Titans

• A source tells Ben Volin that the Titans blew their shot at hiring Patriots OC Josh McDaniels a few weeks ago when they waited to fire then-head coach Mike Mularkey.
• Volin adds that Tennessee could have moved on from Mularkey late in the regular season, given that they knew they were probably going to moving on from him anyway.
• “They snoozed, and lost,” Volin’s source said of the Titans.
• Paul Kuharsky hears that new Titans HC Mike Vrabel also like Lions QBs coach Brian Callahan in regards to their offensive coordinator job, but it’s unlikely Detroit will allow him to leave.