Texans add another receiver in Ohio State's Braxton Miller

Ron Clements

Texans add another receiver in Ohio State's Braxton Miller image

The Ohio State Buckeyes set an NFL Draft record Friday with 10 players taken in the first three rounds.

The ninth player selected was former Buckeyes quarterback and wide receiver Braxton Miller, whom the Texans selected late in the third round with the 85th overall pick.

MORE: Ohio State's record class | NFL Draft: Day 2 recap

The 6-1, 204-pound Miller seamlessly made the transition from quarterback to receiver at Ohio State and, because of his quarterback background, understands route concepts very well. He is an excellent, competitive athlete who has developed into a solid route runner and has quickness to go with good long speed and really good hands. He can cut on a dime and is no longer considered a project at receiver. Miller is also a selfless, team-first player who can be dangerous on special teams.

Joey Bosa was the first former Buckeye to be drafted when the Chargers took the defensive No. 3 overall on Thursday. Running back Ezekiel Elliott went next to the Cowboys; cornerback Eli Apple was picked 10th by the Giants; offensive tackle Taylor Decker went 16th to the Lions; the Jets then picked outside linebacker Darron Lee at 20.

The first Ohio State player picked Friday was wide receiver Michael Thomas, who went 47th overall to the Saints, who also picked safety Vonn Bell at 61. Defensive tackle Adolphus Washington was taken by the Bills five picks before Miller in the third round. Finally, the Seahawks made it an even 10 when they selected former Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett with the 94th overall selection.

The Texans used their first-round pick on Notre Dame speedster Will Fuller. Houston's two draft picks could be excellent complements to DeAndre Hopkins, and could help the team become true contenders in the AFC. Rookies Miller and Fuller also give the Texans two more weapons to complement offseason acquisitions in quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller. 

 

Ron Clements