The Minnesota Vikings released veteran receiver Mike Wallace earlier this season, and the team appears poised to take a young wideout in this year’s draft to pair up with second-year man Stefon Diggs. This year’s wide receiver crop is thin compared to previous drafts, but the Vikings could be in play for a former Ohio State standout when they are on the clock with the 23rd overall pick later this month. Following back-to-back Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2012 and 2013, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller was poised to make a run at the Heisman trophy in 2014, but he suffered a shoulder injury during the offseason and took a medical redshirt to return the next year. The Buckeyes went 14-1 in Miller’s absence behind backup quarterbacks J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones and claimed its first National Championship since 2002. With both Barrett and Jones set to return in 2015, Miller opted to move to wide receiver before the start of his final season in Columbus. Ohio State used him both as a receiver and a runner, and he finished the year with 25 catches for 340 yards with three touchdowns and carried the ball 43 times for 261 yards with one touchdown. While his numbers did not jump off the page, he proved in his one season at wideout that he has all the necessary tools to be a wide receiver at the next level. As a receiver, Miller showed quickness off the line of scrimmage and the ability to change speed and explode out of his breaks. He was able to make plays with the ball in his hands following screens and short passes because of his terrific vision, and he proved he is strong enough to fend off would-be tacklers because of his strength and ability to spin away from defenders. …
Continue Reading: Braxton Miller could be an option with the 23rd pick
