Courtesy of Morgan State Athletic Communications
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Throughout the 2021 training camp and the preseason, Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Joshua Miles capitalized on his opportunities and his efforts have earned him a spot on the team's 53-man roster.
Miles, who enters his third NFL season after being selected in the seventh round in 2019 out of Morgan State, has made great strides and has secured a spot as one of nine lineman on the squad.
"I think Josh Miles is probably our most improved lineman," offensive line coach and run game coordinator Sean Kugler told reporters Saturday. "I really felt when we took him three years ago, that it was probably going to take about three years. I really felt Year 3 you would start seeing the dividends of him paying off."
He made the team each of the last two years but has played three offensive snaps.
Kugler thinks he is ready to start playing.
"He's an outstanding athlete, he's long, he can bend, and he plays with an edge, Kugler added. "He just didn't have the football background that some of these other guys had coming from big programs so it's been a developmental process for him. But he's ready to step on the field here pretty soon. I've been very proud of him."
He is listed as the primary backup to D.J. Humphries at left tackle in the team's latest depth chart heading into the 2021 season.
"It's been a blessing," Miles said. "The entire process has been the most fun I've ever had playing football. I'm more motivated than I've ever been."
Miles is one of six players from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) currently playing in the NFL. The list includes: Antonio Hamilton, CB, Arizona Cardinals (South Carolina State); Javon Hargrove, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (South Carolina State); Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts (South Carolina State); Joe Thomas, LB, Houston Texans (South Carolina State); and Bobby Price, DB, Detroit Lions (Norfolk State).
Selected by the Cardinals with their first pick in the seventh round (248th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, Miles became the first Bear selected in the draft since Visanthe Shiancoe was drafted by the New York Giants in 2003.
Miles, a 6-foot-5, 314-pound Baltimore product, played both tackle and guard positions at Morgan State. He was an All-MEAC performer for the Bears, played in the East-West Shrine game, and was a participant in the NFL Scouting Combine.
CardsWire contributed to this release