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NFL Draft 2016 prospect: Braxton Miller

The former quarterback is quickly earning respect as a wideout.

By Harry Lyles Jr. and Alexis Chassen
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most beloved players in Ohio State history, and the most discussed player of the 2015 season was a big hit at the combine. Miller famously made the switch to wide receiver right before the 2015 season after dealing with a shoulder injury the previous season, and he displayed the strides he has made at the combine with his speed and athleticism.

At Ohio State, Miller completed 59.4 percent of his passes, compiling 5,295 yards, 52 touchdowns, and just 17 interceptions. His outstanding 2012 and 2013 seasons earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors, along with All-Big Ten 1st Team nominations. He also finished 5th in Heisman Trophy voting in 2012, and 9th in 2013. And while he didn't provide the consistent spark that many had hoped at h-back for the Buckeyes in the 2015 campaign, he definitely gave Buckeye fans their moments. He will undoubtedly be missed in Columbus.

Measurements

Height: 6'1

Weight: 204

Arms: 30 7/8"

Hands: 9 1/8"

Interviews

Miller was quick to address his position change when he met with the media. When asked if he sees it as a blessing now, he retorted, "Absolutely, for sure. I love it. I'm just thankful to play football again. I'm out here doing what I love to do and putting everything in god's hands. That's what I've been doing, just perfecting my craft. I want to be one of the best. That's what I've been doing since I switched positions."

He weighed in at 204 pounds and was asked if that's his ideal size for production at the next level. He noted that he has to stay as lean as possible following "that tragic situation with my hamstrings" that slowed his down last year, noting "that's a tough situation right there."

Despite his shoulder injury and surgery, he's not afraid to block as a receiver, "I just practice at it. Coach Meyer got me right. It was different coming from quarterback not even touching a soul. Now it's just part of the position."

Being a receiver in the League takes more than pure athleticism -- which Miller has in spades -- and requires a myriad of different skills on and off the field.

"There's a lot of things you have to prepare yourself for going to the next level. It's not about who's the fastest or the strongest. It's about perfecting the receiver position. There's a lot that goes into it. I've been doing my homework. It's not about athleticism. It's not about speed. It's not about strength."

Workouts

Bench press: 17 reps

40-yard dash: First run: 4.5 unofficial, Second run: 4.55 unofficial. Official: 4.5.

Vertical jump: 35"

Broad jump: 11'

3 Cone drill: 6.65

20-yard shuttle run: 4.07

60-yard shuttle run: 10.84

Miller's first 40 left some to be desired:

Here's Miller doing the broad jump:

Projection

If you ask Miller, he'll without a doubt tell you he's a first round choice -- riding the line of confident and arrogant -- but he's right. Most scouts were expecting the former quarterback to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft, with a chance of slipping to the early second round. We'll have to see how his slower than expected 40 times factor in.

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