Ohio State Football: Braxton Miller Is Not First Round Worthy

Even though Braxton Miller had success as an Ohio State football player, that does not mean he should be a first-round pick.

Braxton Miller has received a lot of publicity post his Ohio State football career as well as hype after his Senior Bowl practices, performance during the Senior Bowl, and how he did at the NFL Combine. Miller is someone who is elusive and versatile, but he is also raw compared to his competition at his position heading into the 2016 NFL Draft.

Miller is currently under consideration to be selected, possibly as high as the first-round. Among the recent mock drafts for which that is the case includes Bleacher Reports’ Matt Miller’s post-NFL Combine.

One of the players Miller has been compared to from The Ohio State University who has entered the draft is Ted Ginn Jr. That comparison is understandable, but wouldn’t Michael Thomas or Devin Smith be better comparisons in recent years?

Ginn caught 135 passes with 51 and 59 passes the last two seasons respectively during his Ohio State football career. Miller caught 25 passes last season. Yes, it was just one year, but one year’s worth of film does not warrant a first round selection (especially from a critical position like wide receiver). However, his athleticism and knowledge from playing quarterback to know where he has to go does help.

Miller can be a difference-maker in the NFL, but it will take time. The way his play translates from his time with the Ohio State football team to a professional team does come with question marks.  Does his lack of experience help or hurt him? With little playing time at the position, NFL teams can coach him in a specific way for an exact role.

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NFL teams look for complete (or close to it) players who were accomplished in college during the first round. Miller has the latter but since he is not going to play quarterback at the next level and with a lack of experience (among other reasons), how can teams consider him a first rounder?

Yes, Miller is an athlete who could be used in a number of ways. Being an athlete is good, but that is all he is. Teams could also consider him more as a running back who can play the slot.  If Miller was involved in more plays this past Ohio State football season, maybe he would be more well-rounded at wide receiver.

Miller’s skill set allows him to be on the field but depending on the team, his role may not be as clear to some as others. That said, as the draft arrives, Miller will get selected much earlier if a team wants to take the risk on someone with a high ceiling despite limited production.

It is early still in the mock draft season. Although it would be great to see as many Ohio State football players drafted in the first round, we also need to be realistic.

Next: The Tight End Position Is Loaded In 2016 For OSU

Again, Miller has a special skill set, but he should not be under consideration until the fourth round at the earliest, despite his success this offseason.