So about that wide receiver class being slow. Looks like Ohio State wide receiver Braxton Miller may have separated himself from that moniker at his pro day. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Miller posted a 4.5 40. That would put him 11th in the slowest receiver class since the stat was recorded 11 years ago.
Then comes the pro day, and Miller runs a 4.33 and a 4.36. Not bad for a kid who called himself the best athlete in college football.
Miller converted to wide receiver in 2015 and has only a year of experience playing the position, prior to his switch, he was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, running Urban Meyer's spread offense. Once he went down with injury, however, Cordale Jones and J.T. Barrett fought for the reigns and Miller saw the writing on the wall when returning.
For his first and only year as a wide receiver, Miller had 26 receptions for 341 yards and 3 TDs. Along with the fact he can get some decent speed, Miller finished in the top three for the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He also can be called upon for emergency quarterback situations given his experience starting at Ohio State. While in the San Francisco 49ers have Blake Bell for that role, it was pointed out the other day that Miller has a lot more starting experience.
Matt Barrows tweeted out that both 49ers director of college scouting Matt Malaspina and regional scout Steve Rubio attended Miller's pro day, so that could potentially mean there is some interest in the now-speedy wide receiver. Here's what nfl.com has to say about his strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS
Considered one of the leaders for the winningest senior class in college football history. Immediately checks boxes for height, weight and speed. Features legitimate vertical acceleration to climb over the top on deep routes. Hands are good enough, but concentration is even better. Uses well-timed leaps and dives to make the demanding catches. Capability as a zone-read quarterback create added value. Has loose hips for jitterbug elusiveness in space and it isn't easy to get a solid hit on him.WEAKNESSES
Just one year of work at receiver and has limited production as a pass-catcher. Reliant upon speed and athletic ability over skill at the position. Needs major route work. Upright into his routes with very little sell from his upper body to create hesitation from defenders. Not yet ready to work the intermediate routes. Used deep and short. Needs to improve his ball security and get ball tucked away in proper arm.
Miller is said to be going somewhere in the 3rd round. It's a pick used mostly for potential and worrying about the coaching after he's snagged. Should the 49ers burn a 3rd rounder to bring Miller to the Bay Area?