2016 NFL Draft: Complete Mock for 49ers in Each Round

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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick 37: Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

The 49ers haven’t had a true number one receiver since Terrell Owens left town after the 2003 season. They haven’t really addressed the position in either of the last two drafts, either; the 49ers haven’t taken a receiver on days one or two of the draft since swinging and missing at A.J. Jenkins in 2012.

There are a number of solid receivers who could be available in the second round, though both Will Fuller of Notre Dame and Josh Doctson of TCU were gone in my mock before the 49ers hit the clock. They could gamble on someone like speedster Corey Coleman from Baylor, but I’ve chosen to go with a huge boom-or-bust prospect in Braxton Miller.

If Miller had been a wide receiver throughout his college career, I firmly believe he would be a first-round draft choice. He has an ideal combination of size, speed and athletic traits, and is very versatile with the ball in his hands. He has great acceleration and fantastic concentration, tracking deep balls and timing his jumps perfectly to make big plays.

Of course, Miller played quarterback for two years at Ohio State, so he’s very much a work in progress as a receiver. His needs to improve his route running, his ball security could use some work and his general knowledge of the position needs to continue to expand.

He was voted the top practice performer at the Senior Bowl, so it looks like he has the work ethic to continue to improve. His two years as a quarterback also mean he could be used on zone-read gimmick-type plays as well, as a wrinkle in the offense. I like Miller’s potential quite a bit, assuming he continues to progress.

This could also be a spot to boost the defensive line if the team didn’t want to double-down on offense, but Miller could give the offense the playmaking spark it has been lacking.

Other players considered:

Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

Next: Round 3: Beefing Up the Offensive Line