2016 NFL Draft: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell has been one top-ranked possibility for the 49ers in the NFL draft, but his decision not to run at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine will likely hurt his draft stock.
Should Treadwell turn into a tweener between the 49ers’ first- and second-round picks, the value may not be there unless general manager Trent Baalke trades down from No. 7. Yet the decision to pass on Treadwell may open things up for Baalke to target Ohio State wideout Braxton Miller.
Miller’s 6’1″, 204-pound frame fits what head coach Chip Kelly likes in a receiver. Miller’s switch from quarterback to wide receiver ahead of the 2015 season should indicate his rawness. But his overall physical ability is simply too good to pass up.
STRENGTHS: Athletic body type and solidly-built for the position. Extraordinary athleticism and speed with sudden, explosive cutting ability. Tremendous balance and body control in all of his movements.
Multiple gears to separate in his routes or as a ballcarrier. Understands hesitation in his patterns, setting up defenders before bursting in different directions. Vision to be a home-run threat whenever he touches the ball.
In his one season as a receiver, showed the locating ability to track and keep his focus through the catch. Capable of the acrobatic reception. Strong arm as a passer and spins a pretty ball. Deceiving body strength to squirm out of would-be tackles. Highly productive three-year quarterback and looked natural making the transition to a skill player in 2015 – versatile player who affected the game as a receiver and rusher.
WEAKNESSES: Raw route-runner and lacks experience at the receiver position. Needs work with his footwork, especially at the stem of patterns. Natural hands, but had some drops in 2015, especially with the fastball.
— Dane Brugler, CBS Sports (1/25/16)
Why He Fits:
Even if the 49ers re-sign veteran No. 1 wide receiver Anquan Boldin, Miller could eventually turn into Boldin’s long-term replacement.
Aside from fellow wideout Torrey Smith, the Niners don’t have a legitimate receiving option who could impact the team for many years down the road. Wide receivers Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington have yet to indicate such, and there isn’t any guarantee second-year pro DeAndre Smelter will have the bona fide mark after being redshirted his rookie season.
San Francisco needs playmakers on offense. Miller has excellent capability and potential to become one.
Next: WR Michael Thomas