Ohio State wide receiver Braxton Miller is one of the most interesting prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft precisely because he's been a wide receiver for less than one year. A two-year starter at quarterback, Miller transitioned to pass-catcher after missing all of 2014 with a shoulder injury.
How will he fare in the NFL, and, more importantly, how should fantasy football owners view him? That's what we're here to figure out.
Miller has excellent size (6-2, 215 lbs) and speed (4.4 40-yard dash) for the position. Though he may not yet be comfortable at receiver, he's already put together several years of tape that show off his incredible athleticism. Plus, as we mentioned, he played quarterback in college. This adds an extra element to his game that other rookie wide receivers don't have. He's like a bigger, stronger and faster version of Julian Edelman in that way. That bodes well for fantasy purposes.
Remember that ankle breaking spin move against Virginia Tech last year? That's what has NFL teams foaming at the mouth. The truth is, Miller has unlimited potential. But it's going to take some time.
Despite his immense physical gifts, Miller's wide receiver numbers were actually pretty pedestrian last year: 26 receptions, 341 yards and three touchdowns. He needs time to learn the nuances of the position, and he needs time to develop as a route runner. While he did draw rave reviews at the Senior Bowl for his raw athleticism and willingness to learn, no one thinks that he's going to come in as the next Amari Cooper right away.
Miller needs to go to the right team. He needs an offensive coordinator who can uncork all that potential in creative ways. Ideal fits for fantasy purposes include the New England Patriots (Edleman), Green Bay Packers (Randall Cobb), Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers. All four teams have established and successful offenses that wouldn't ask too much of Miller too soon.
So, how should you view him as a fantasy prospect?
If he goes to a team like the Patriots in the middle rounds, Miller could end up as a streaky high-upside WR3; think Torrey Smith, but with a chance to be even better over time. However, if Miller winds up in a black hole like the Cleveland Browns or Los Angeles Rams, I wouldn't put too much faith in him as a viable fantasy option.
Right now, Miller is most valuable in dynasty leagues where you're playing the long game. But we won't have a firm understanding of his immediate 2016 fantasy value until after the upcoming draft.
Follow Brandon Katz on Twitter at @Great_Katzby
