Perhaps no player at the Senior Bowl created more of a buzz than wide receiver Braxton Miller.
The Ohio State product put on a clinic in practice against some of the nation’s top defensive backs, and videos of his playmaking ability quickly spread throughout social media.
NFL scouts in attendance voted him as the standout player of the week. Draft pundits raved about Miller’s potential as an NFL wideout and rumors had already started by the end of the week about the Patriots and Steelers targeting him as a second-round pick.
The Ravens have already said they are in the market for wide receivers and playmakers, and Miller is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. He entered the Senior Bowl likely considered a mid-round pick, but that stock appears to be quickly on the rise.
“I can do it all,” Miller said last week when asked what he wants to prove to NFL scouts.
Drafting Miller would be banking on his potential at receiver. He only has one year under his belt at the position because he spent the first three years as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. A shoulder injury that cost him the entire 2014 season also forced him to change positions, and he had a steep learning curve at receiver.
Miller finished the 2015 season with 25 catches for 340 yards and three touchdowns, and he also added 43 carries for 261 yards and a score. His numbers pale in comparison to some of the other top receiving prospects, but Miller’s ability to be electrifying with the football is clearly evident.
“If the ball comes my way, I’m going to do something with it,” Miller said. “I’ve been praying on days like this and being able to show it on a national level, I love it.”
Before switching to receiver, Miller was a two-time Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year. The Buckeyes used him as a dual-threat quarterback, and he ran for 3,655 yards and 32 touchdowns in his three years at quarterback. He also threw for 5,295 yards and 52 touchdowns, giving offensive coordinators a trick up their sleeve in game planning.
Miller also has experience in the return game, so he could likely assume punt and kick return duties wherever he lands.
“I love having fun, love getting the ball, playing special teams, playing receiver, coming back and catching reverses,” Miller said. “It brings a different type of aspect to the game, and I feel like every team needs playmakers.”
Miller will likely be one of the most discussed receiving prospects over the next few months leading up to the NFL Draft. He has already said he wants to run a 40-yard dash under 4.3 seconds at the combine later this month, and he could move himself into first-round consideration if he continues at this pace.
Nobody expects the Ravens to take Miller with the No. 6 overall pick, but if he’s available at No. 36, then it seems like Ozzie Newsome would have something to ponder.
