Chiefs Mock Draft: Filling the secondary holes

2nd Round

Braxton Miller – WR – Ohio State

Strengths: Excellent athlete who shows natural talent and understanding of the WR position.  Has speed to beat defenders downfield, and speed to get separation in the short area.  Despite lack of experience, already shows a great hesitation move to sell double routes and feints.  Excellent open field vision, and tracks the ball well in the air.  Home run threat from anywhere on the field.  Leadership is unquestionable, showing the humility to quietly move from quarterback to receiver.

Weaknesses: Still raw as a receiver, and every aspect of his game shows it.  Footwork in and out of his breaks is inconsistent.  Willing blocker, but doesn’t get hand placement.  Needs to spend time on the JUGS machine to get used to high velocity throws.

Can get too concerned with what is going on around him and will tend to brace for big hit instead of playing through it.  Ball security is a question, but most of the concern is related to his time as quarterback.  Lacks Special Teams experience, which means he’ll have a smaller window than most to develop.

The Fit: The Chiefs made an interesting grab in Rod Streater.  He’s two years removed from his excellent second season, and the one year contract he signed makes it clear this is a “prove it” deal for him.  That also means he is likely a “one and done” player for the Chiefs.

His signing gives Albert Wilson and Chris Conley more time to develop, as well as some competition.  But it also opens the door for the Chiefs to bring in another potential future No.2 receiver to compete.  Miller is a phenomenal athlete and took to WR like a duck to water this past year, but he needs to refine his talents before he’s ready to take on a big role in the NFL.

The Chiefs are poised to be a perfect fit for that kind of player.  Some may think this is early, but he has been a fast riser on the scouting boards and very few scouts will even guess at what his ceiling is.  With Streater in the mix for 2016, and the Chiefs already having Wilson if they need someone in cinch, Miller should have the time to develop before having to take on a major role.

Next: 4th Round