Buccaneers’ 2016 Draft: Should They Take Braxton Miller?

The Buccaneers’ biggest draft needs are on the defensive side of the ball, but should they go after Ohio State wide receiver Braxton Miller in the second round?

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This Buccaneers offense has begun to come together rather nicely, hasn’t it? There is still one key element missing, though: speed. Would drafting a fast, versatile athlete in the second round be worth it for a team with holes on the defensive line, linebacker, and safety? It just might.

Braxton Miller played one season at wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but seemed like a natural fit. Miller finished his lone season at receiver with 26 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns. He proved to be a downfield threat with his insane speed, running the 40 in 4.33 and 4.36 seconds at his pro day. That is something this offense is sorely lacking, Mike Evans, for as good as he can be, does not have breakaway speed. Doug Martin had some incredibly long runs in 2015 but always seemed to be caught from behind because he lacks that breakaway speed. Vincent Jackson certainly doesn’t possess that kind of speed.

Miller is a threat to leave the defense in his dust any time he touches the ball, whether it’s taking the top off the defense on a route or making defenders look silly as a ball carrier, like he did here;

That’s the weapon you get with Miller. A dynamic receiver, who can line up in the backfield, and let’s not forget that he was a quarterback so the guy can throw. You think Dirk Koetter wouldn’t enjoy creating a few trick plays with this guy taking the ball and running with it or even throwing it down the field to Evans, Jackson, or even Winston?

The possibilities are endless and, despite the needs on defense, Miller may be one of those players that they just can’t pass on in the second round. Does that mean they would use their second rounder on him? Maybe.

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However, we also know that Licht has no reservations about maneuvering his position via trade to get a guy he covets. Braxton Miller would certainly be worth that in the second round and he could very well be the one to take this Bucs offense to the next level.