By Roscoe Nance
Arizona Cardinals rookie offensive tackle Josh Miles isn’t one to cry about his circumstances, even though they may appear bleak. After facing an uncertain future in football two years ago, it makes the Morgan State product – the Cardinals’ seventh-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft -- feel like dancing just to be on his feet and having the opportunity to pursue his dream.
Even if he expected to be selected higher.
“There were a few things related to school that probably didn’t do me any favors. But I’m not worried about that," Miles said. “The round that you go in the draft has more of an impact on your signing bonus. You come here, you grind; you work your [butt] off. If you’re a guy who can produce on the field, you will always find time to play. The draft is over. We’re all on a level playing field. Whether you are in year one or year 13, you can be cut.”
Miles’ draft stock likely would have been higher had he not been ruled academically ineligible for the 2017 season. NCAA rules require student-athletes to reach credit benchmarks each year towards graduation. Miles was shy of those benchmarks by three credits for what would have been his junior season after never having had academic issues growing up or during his two previous seasons at Morgan State.
Suddenly, his future was shrouded with uncertainty. He didn’t know the status of his scholarship, if he had played his last football game or if he would have enough money to finish college.
“Worst of all, I had my first love taken from me,” Miles said. “That was the roughest year of my life. But I didn’t let it have me dejected or discouraged. That was the ultimate motivator.”
Miles immersed himself in his studies – his 3.3 GPA was the best of his college career – and working out during his year away from football.
“I really tried to hone in on my skills and strengths to the best of my potential,” he said. “I got stronger than I’ve ever been and got in the best shape of my life. I balled all season.”
Miles only gave up one sack during the 2018 season, a performance that earned him Third Team All-MEAC honors, as well as invitations to both the East-West Shrine All-Star Game and the NFL Draft Combine.
“I took that motivation into the East-West All-Star Game and to the combine,” he said. “It was a headache, but all the time I kept those motivators in my head. It was great to see all this work come to a head. I haven’t forgotten how I got here. That same effort; that same intensity; that same attention to detail… I need to apply it out here if I want to stay, and I do want to stay.”
Miles is 6-foot-5 and 314 pounds. He played center on his high school basketball team. He’s considered a late bloomer with lot of potential, and the Cardinals like his combination of size and athletic ability.
"He's just scratching the surface," Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said shortly after drafting Miles.
Miles said he had no clue who was going to draft him. But he couldn’t be more pleased to be a member of the Cardinals. He worked out for them leading up to the draft and fell in love with everything about the area and the organization.
“It’s always sunny,” he said, “and they really want to form a cohesive unit. I like the mentality and the coaches. I’m glad to be here.”
The Cardinals report for training camp on Wednesday, July 24 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. After going through rookie camp, OTAs and mini-camp, Miles is eager to take the next step on what he hopes will be a long and successful NFL career, and he says he has not felt out of place going against a higher level of competition.
“I knew I belonged the second the college season was over,” he said, stopping short of saying that he was comfortable. “I knew this was coming for me, but comfortable is not a word I would use around here. Once you get comfortable, you’re cut. It’s life and death every day.”
Miles has been like a sponge since initially reporting to the Cardinals for rookie camp, soaking up knowledge that will help him in his quest for an NFL career.
“It has been exposure to a different level of ball,” he said. “All I can say is I’ve really learned a lot, and I’m trying to be the best I can be, really. There are a lot more complex schemes here. But it’s not something that I can’t handle. The first week or two was a challenge. But I’ve come along nicely. I got to understand the offense and was able to get things done. The game is a lot different. These guys are the best in the world. They cover ground at a great rate. They all have two or three moves their arsenal. Just being able to play against these guys is great competition.”
Miles watches the veterans and takes his cues from them about how to go about being a professional and the do’s and don’ts of life in the NFL. He shadows tackles Marcus Gilbert, a nine-year veteran who the Cardinals obtained in trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and DJ Humphries, Arizona’s first-round pick from 2015.
“They have battled through injuries and have played in different systems,” Miles said, adding that he pays particular attention to their footwork and how they distribute their weight in addition to how they conduct themselves. “It’s really great to watch these pros at work and try to pattern my game after theirs.”
Miles returned home to Catonsville, Md., until the start of training camp. He says being home was more of a business trip than anything else. He spends most of his time working out and studying the Cardinals’ playbook.
“That’s really what’s important now,” he said, “to make sure I have a better understanding of the offense and making sure I’m in the best shape of my life. I want to lose a couple of pounds so I will be light on my feet. I want to make sure my body is at a level where I can be at optimum performance and play out hopefully these next two or three contracts and hopefully be a Cardinal for life.”