Cleveland Browns: Braxton Miller is just a player trying to earn a roster spot

Upon hearing the news that the Cleveland Browns signed Braxton Miller, a portion of the fan base's immediate reaction was wondering which other receiver's job on the final roster he was taking and some even speculated a corresponding trade was coming to clear space for Miller.

He's not Braxton Miller, the legendary Ohio State quarterback. He's Braxton Miller, the former third round wide receiver who is on his third team. The Braxton Miller, who is 26 years old and has 34 receptions for 261 yards in 21 games, which isn't all that different from Jaelen Strong, also a former third round pick fighting for a job. In fact, the two are the same age and were both drafted by the Houston Texans.

The difference is Strong has been with the Browns for months, appears to be relatively secure in his spot while Miller is showing up today.

Neither John Dorsey or Freddie Kitchens cares what Miller did or didn't do in his collegiate career two hours away in Columbus. The question is what he can do for the Browns now. It's a nice story. It's nice to revisit some of what Miller was able to do as a member of the Buckeyes, but he hasn't done anything to be handed a roster spot two and a half weeks before the season.

The Browns waived Mik'Quan Deane, put D.J. Montgomery on injured reserve and had a few roster spots to utilize. Miller is a good athlete that will have his chance to show why the Browns should keep him. It's unclear if he will play Friday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers given the fact he'll have been here all of 48 hours.

Miller also has been featured as a slot receiver thus far in his career. The Browns have Jarvis Landry. They've been showcasing Rashard Higgins in that spot. They've got other options. Odell Beckham probably won't play a down in the preseason. Landry may not either. Miller's role is being another receiver that can take reps as much as it is an opportunity to audition for all 32 teams the next few weeks.

It's interesting that Miller chose the Browns over other options given their depth chart. Receiver and defensive end are the two most packed positions on the team, so it's an odd choice for someone if they're trying to stick on the roster. It's an uphill battle to say the least.

This is where fandom can create unrealistic expectations for a player they loved in college. The relationship so many Cleveland Browns fans have with Ohio State can blind them to reality. A couple seasons ago, the Browns signed former Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell as a free agent and there were fans inserting him into the starting lineup. Powell didn't make the team.

Miller's name carries a lot of weight with this area, but much of that is due to familiarity. This same reaction didn't happen when the team announced they had claimed Montrel Meander, the second year safety out of Grambling by way of Texas.

Braxton Miller will have his shot to make the team. It's going to be difficult, but he could find his way there. He's got a great attitude, has said he's willing to do whatever they ask, but ultimately, it's far more likely he's released and the team simply moves on to the regular season. Hopefully Miller can find himself a home where he can put together a consistent season, but chances are it won't be here.