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2016 Senior Bowl: 5 Prospects the San Francisco 49ers Should Watch

By Peter Panacy

Jan 9, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after the game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the FCS Championship college football game at Toyota Stadium. North Dakota State won the championship 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts after the game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the FCS Championship college football game at Toyota Stadium. North Dakota State won the championship 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (5) runs with the ball against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (5) runs with the ball against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver Braxton Miller, Ohio State

6’2″, 215 pounds

OK, so the 49ers may be targeting Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell in Round 1 of the 2016 NFL draft.

But a potential fallback option, and possible long-term replacement for veteran wideout Anquan Boldin, could be Ohio State wide receiver Braxton Miller.

The 6’2″, 215-pound target may be the most intriguing prospect participating in the Senior Bowl.

At least according to CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler:

"The most intriguing prospect in Mobile this week, Miller made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver this past season and made the transition look easy due to his natural athleticism. He is well-built with game-changing speed, but is obviously still raw in several areas, including his route running. Despite his lack of experience at wideout, Miller’s athletic profile and upside should be on full display during practice, which could cement him as a top-50 prospect in this class."

As Brugler notes, Miller has some rawness to his game and needs to improve on his route-running abilities. But the intangibles — size, fluidity and speed — can’t be coached. Those are the type of attributes that could make Miller a top-tier receiver at the NFL level.

And the Ohio State prospect likely looks to be a Round 2 target, which would save the 49ers’ first-round pick for other pressing needs.

Next: OLB Kyler Fackrell