The 2024 NFL Draft is a draft full of high-profile talent at the Wide Receiver position that has made major media headlines like Marvin Harrison Jr and Malik Nabers. However, there are prospects at the position without much media hype that will have a big impact at the NFL level. One prospect that falls under the latter category is Oregon’s Wide Reliever Troy Franklin. Franklin was a highly coveted four-star, number 54 overall recruit out of Menlo-Atherton High School in California. In 2021, Franklin appeared in all 14 games as a freshman showing flashes of his potential. As a sophomore in 2022, Franklin became a full-time starter and proved to be one of the most prolific deep threats in college football and was named Second Team All PAC 12 performer with 61 catches for 891 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2023, Franklin developed into one of the most complete Wide Receivers in all of college football and took the nation by storm amassing 81 catches for over 1383 yards with 13 touchdowns, and was named AP Second Team All American. Franklin showcased his elite speed, great hands, surprisingly impressive catch radius, and improved precision on all routes within the route tree. Franklin is an awesome WR prospect for NFL teams that desperately need speed. However, can he be more? Let’s dig into the film.
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’3” (Unofficial)
Weight: 187 pounds (Unofficial)
Age: 20 years old
School: Oregon 2024
Troy Franklin Player Evaluation
Troy Franklin Strengths
The first thing that pops off the screen is Troy Franklin has top-notch NFL speed. Rumored to run a 4.35 40, Franklin is a top-tier deep threat from day one. Whether lined up outside or inside at the slot Franklin can be used on post routes, go routes, and double moves to stretch the opposing defense. Once downfield, Franklin manipulates defenders with head fakes to create more separation. He has elite ball tracking skills, catches the ball safely, and no one is catching him in the open field. To go in combination with his speed, Franklin’s height at 6’3 is a major advantage. His size does not allow smaller faster corners to guard him as he simply overwhelms them. Multiple times he uses his surprisingly amazing catch radius and plucks the ball over the smaller defenders. This height speed combination also allows Franklin to have a major matchup advantage in the slot. Slot corners are too small and slow, safeties are embarrassingly too slow. Franklin is a lethal weapon.
Route Running
Furthermore what makes Troy a top 15 first-round talent to me is his intermediate/short route running technique and incredible hands. Usually, speedy wide receivers have major struggles in these areas, but not Franklin. He routinely plucks the ball out of the air which signals he trusts his hands. He makes tough catches at the high point and has an immense will to make diving catches/catches in traffic to help the team succeed. Most of the time corners are in off coverage respecting his speed. In these situations, Franklin shows great crisp routes that allows him to be successful on comebacks, curls, slant, and over routes. Whether in between or after his route, it is very smooth and technical for a speed receiver. He routinely gets on defender’s toes as all of his routes look the same. Franklin’s precision on out routes and in breaking routes is deadly and because of the threat of his speed should be open regularly.
Troy Franklin Weakness
As good as a prospect Franklin is, he is not without faults. Franklin is not a major yards after the catch threat. If he sees an open field Franklin uses his speed to gain extra yards. However, he has average elusiveness & strength to break tackles. At only 187 pounds Franklin’s frame is definitely small for a 6’3 WR. His lack of size hurts as Franklin’s play strength is average to below average vs bigger corners. If a defender gets his hands on Franklin they can definitely affect the timing of his routes. Lack of size also hurts Franklin’s physicality in blocking as it is hard for him to sustain blocks. Although his route running is good, sometimes there is stiffness in his hip when trying to separate. Franklin needs more refinement in his route running to take that leap from a very good WR to an elite receiver. While in the Slot, Franklin needs to be better at finding holes in the zone on underneath routes to match his ability on deep routes in the slot.
Projection: Late First-Round Pick to Early Second-Round Pick.
Best Fits: New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers or Denver Broncos.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Troy Franklin was an eyebrow-raising watch. I was shocked at his speed, hands, and all-around route running technique for his archetype. Franklin knows how to use his size, has quick releases, and brings great value to all 32 teams in the NFL. He threatens every inch of the field and brings outside/slot value. He has increased his production and skills every year which shows his commitment to the game. Franklin’s role should be a versatile number two Wide Receiver next to an already established Elite WR. I believe Franklin is a top 15 pick talent, but he may slip to late/first early second round, due to due to potential run on Quarterbacks, Defensive Lineman, and Offensive Lineman. Thus, an NFL team could get a major steal.
Main Photo Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
