Will Braxton Miller Make The Texans’ 53-Man Roster?

Once upon a time, Texans fans were ecstatic about the team selecting Braxton Miller, the QB turned WR from Ohio State, in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. While I think many fans realized it would take some time for Miller to successfully transition to playing wide receiver in the NFL, the general consensus was that the Texans added a tremendously talented weapon who’d help transform their offense from moribund to dangerous.

Of course, back then, many of us were also optimistic that Brock Osweiler would solve the Texans’ quarterback woes, so it’s quite clear none of us have any idea what we’re talking about.

But I digress. Back to Braxton Miller.

In his two NFL seasons, in which he’s appeared in 21 games (nine of which he started), Miller has posted a total of 34 catches (on 57 targets) for 261 yards and two touchdowns. To the extent any Texans fans dreamed of Miller adding something on the ground, he’s had four carries for one yard during that time.

Even taking into account a developmental curve, it’s safe to say Braxton Miller has not produced at the NFL level.

He entered training camp this year with an uncertain future in Houston. In the three preseason games played thus far, Miller saw 65% of the offensive snaps against the Chiefs, 97% against the 49ers, and 46% against the Rams. He’s caught three balls in each of those three preseason games for a total of 94 yards and a touchdown.

Although Chris Thompson was released earlier this week, Houston’s wide receiver room remains crowded. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller are your starting wideouts and therefore locks to make the team. Behind them in some order are Miller, Bruce Ellington, Sammie Coates, Keke Coutee, Jester Weah, Quan Bray, and Vyncint Smith. How many WRs will Bill O’Brien keep? I figure at least five and perhaps six. Is Miller one of top five wideouts on the team right now? Does his future at NRG Park depend entirely on whether the Texans keep six wide receivers?

So, I ask you, BRB: Will Braxton Miller make the Texans’ initial 53-man roster of the 2018 regular season? Cast your vote in the poll below and explain your reasoning in the Comments.

UPDATE: The people have spoken. Unfortunately for those of us who thought Braxton would be here another season (or wanted him to be), Bill O’Brien was not persuaded. Braxton Miller has been cut.