The Atlanta Falcons need to draft Braxton Miller if possible
One of the most intriguing players in the 2016 NFL Draft is Ohio State red shirt senior Braxton Miller. A once quarterback converted into a wide receiver and running back for his senior year has an abundance of talent and the Atlanta Falcons have already taken notice.
Miller is competing in the Senior Bowl this weekend and reports that the Falcons were speaking with Miller broke yesterday. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, folks.
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Miller is an interesting prospect because depending on what team drafts him, he could play multiple positions. If a team that is need of a running back drafts him then he will likely become a full-time running back. But, if a team that is need of a wide receiver drafts him, well then he would be full-time wide receiver.
The Falcons are in need of a wide receiver and that’s why they have spoken with Miller before the game this weekend. He has the ability to be an outside receiver rather than a primary slot receiver and could easily step in and contribute at a high level.
The good news for the Falcons is that they don’t have to burn an early pick if they are interested in drafting him. CBS sports has Miller ranked as the No.14 wide receiver and is a third round projection at the moment.
Look at Miller as a bigger, stronger, faster Roddy White. Miller is two inches taller than White, outweighs him by a slim margin and is a lot faster. Many project Miller to run a sub-4.4, 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and if that’s the case, his stock will likely move up.
Miller is a very raw receiver, but that has its advantages as well. He doesn’t have a ton of miles on his legs for the fact that he was a quarterback for a lot of his career at Ohio State. As it appears that White isn’t going anywhere this upcoming season, Miller would be able to learn from one of the best in the business and would be ready to take over White’s No.2 spot once he retires.
Not only could Miller be a threat in the passing game, but he could also become the Falcons’ primary return man once Devin Hester is gone. There’s a good chance that Hester could become a cap casualty this offseason and the team will be in the market for a returner. Miller could be that guy.
Depending on his showing at the Senior Bowl and his performance at this year’s combine, his stock might move up to a second round projected pick. If that’s the case, the Falcons might need to stay away from drafting a receiver that high, but if he’s available in the third round then why not draft him as a future N0.2 receiver.
Should the Falcons draft Miller if he is available in the third round?