Fantasy Upside
As Houston Chronicle staffer John McClain recently noted, "Players entering their second season generally make their most improvement. That's one reason the coaches have such high expectations for receiver Braxton Miller. ..." Miller, a third-rounder last year, spent his rookie season trying to learn how to play receiver. It's a position he played one season at Ohio State after making the switch from quarterback. With Will Fuller out indefinitely, Miller's development is of great importance to the Texans' offense. By all accounts, he has become more explosive and sharp in his cuts this year, learning from former Pro Bowl slot wide receiver Wes Welker.
Fantasy Downside
Miller started 6-of-10 games after being drafted in the third round last year and caught 15 passes for 99 yards and 1 touchdown. He had three runs for zero yards as a Wildcat quarterback and three kickoff returns for 41 yards before he was placed on injured reserve with a sprained AC joint suffered in his right shoulder when he landed hard against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. So the lack of development is a concern.
2017 Bottom Line
Fuller's broken collarbone opens the door to Miller competing with Jaelen Strong for the starting spot opposite DeAndre Hopkins. But whether he beats out Strong or is used as the team's No. 3 receiver (and perhaps occasional Wildcat QB/playmaker), Miller's fantasy value seems relatively limited.
