Braxton Miller grasped a complex Texans offense very well for a rookie, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.
But it wasn't quick and it wasn't easy, according to Miller.
"Just coming from college and going to a big playbook like this, it took time," Miller said Monday. "It took the rookie minicamp and OTAs to actually understand the concepts and the formations, the whole terminology, the words. It took a little toll on us when we first got here but it's starting to pick up fast."
With two preseason games under his belt, Miller has caught seven passes for 68 yards, averaging 9.7 yards per reception. It's easy to forget that he only converted from quarterback to wide receiver last year.
"Just being an athlete all my life, playing all positions growing up," Miller said of his transition. "Just playing quarterback for four years took away from being an athlete. I was just going back to my old days, feeling good being out there making plays."
By "the old days," Miller is referring to his time at Wayne High School. He says he played receiver all four years, "messing around," in addition to being the starting quarterback his senior year and lettering in basketball.
Now, he relies on heavy communication with quarterback Brock Osweiler and leaders like DeAndre Hopkins, as well as his trusty playbook to help him the rest of the way.
"I look at D-Hop (DeAndre Hopkins), how he comes in as a pro every day," Miller said. "I'm trying to learn how the vets do it, and I want to learn quickly and fast so I can contribute to the team."
Ohio State WR Braxton Miller was the Texans' 3rd round (85th overall) pick.
