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Braxton Miller - Gut feeling


Braxton Miller was a star player in college and over drafted because of it. He was one of the rawest WR prospects I’ve seen in my life, and he had a long way to go to learn the position. That said, the dude is dripping talent, and he started to look like a viable player this pre-season. At least to my eyes. I think it was a mistake to cut him. Sammie Coates isn’t better than him. Ellington isn’t really either. He is higher upside than both. Vyncint Smith isn’t better than him either, but that dude has some serious upside himself, so I get him at least.

I have been struggling to identify why I think this is such a mistake. Who does he remind me of? Then it hit me. I have an AJ Bouye feeling about him. Take the draft pedigree, and name recognition out of it. Both players were physically gifted in size and speed, and had to develop to earn their place in the league.

Bouye was a UDFA in 2013 and competed to make the roster. Ultimately, he made the club as the 5th CB on the depth chart and mostly contributed on STs during a disastrous campaign. Bouye season was cut short as he was placed on the IR in October 2013, ending his rookie year. In 2014, he moved up to 4th on the depth chart, and even started a couple of lack luster games due to injuries ahead of him, showing some flashes along the way, with some not so memorable moments mixed in. His season In 2015, the Texans drafted Kevin Johnson, who was the CB of the future. He competed with Bouye throughout camp, and ultimately K-Jo was named CB3, and Bouye was CB4. He again, showed some promise in his 3rd season, but was still an average at best player. He was seen as a decent 4th CB coming into 2016, his 4th season as a pro. Throughout camp, O’Brien consistently stated Bouye was one of the most improved players on the roster. As a 4th CB, however, his playing time was largely limited, but he really shined when he was on the field. Then, Kevin Johnson broke his foot, promoting Bouye to 3rd on the depth chart. Bouye’s breakout was full go from there, and the rest is history. Now he is a big money All-Pro, and a great CB in the league.

i see the parallel in Bouye and Braxton in their early careers. Miller, obviously as a college star and third rounder, had much higher expectations put on him. But, both players were raw physical talents learning to perform consistently at the NFL level. Both had injuries limit their development. Both lost camp battles to players they were arguably better than. Both had rookies drafted for their role in their third season. I believe Braxton Miller is finally able to be an average NFL player, and I think at some point this year we will see him show that. Not a break out, but he will have a few moments that remind folks what he can be. I think if he does make that progression, he will come into 2019 with a new confidence, and his breakout is a very real possibility.

i think it was a mistake to cut him. You don’t bet on potential forever, but I believe he was better than guys who were kept over him. Maybe if he had the same college trajectory, but it happened at UCF instead of Ohio State, maybe he’d have gone undrafted like Bouye. Drafted for pro day measurables and flashes on game tape, instead of being a two time Big Ten POY with those same measurables at the combine. Lots of maybes, and plenty of prognostication on my part.

But I really do have an AJ Bouye kind of feeling about Braxton Miller’s career trajectory. I’m rooting for him, and I think he has plenty left to show people in this league.

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