The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching and will begin on April 25. Let’s take a look at Troy Franklin, a dynamic receiver from the University of Oregon.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Coming out of high school, Franklin was a highly-touted four-star prospect with offers from Alabama, Texas, USC, Tennessee, and more. Ultimately, he committed to Oregon where he would emerge as the heart of their offense. This past season, Franklin totaled 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns on 81 catches. His play had earned him All-Pac-12 First and Second Team honors.
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Jersey: No. 11
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Oregon
Class: Junior
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 187 lbs.
The consensus around the fantasy football community is that there's a huge fall off after 1.07 in rookie dynasty drafts.
Truth is, Troy Franklin is on the same tier as Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers
The real fall off is after 1.08#FantasyFootball #NFL pic.twitter.com/jyYyJ6XrXU
— Breaking Fantasy Football (@Breaking_FF) February 10, 2024
Troy Franklin’s Strengths
Franklin is one of the best route runners in the class. He has a variety of releases at his disposal and is outstanding at beating press coverage. His ability to diversify the tempo in his routes is what sets him apart from most receivers in the class. From a pure route running standpoint, Franklin is one of the most polished in the class.
Franklin blends this route running with eye-catching athleticism to make an unguardable receiver in college. With his long strides and long speed, Franklin is a threat to take the top off of defenses. This opens up the intermediate routes for him. Additionally, he possesses superb short-area quickness. This makes him a threat on all three levels which gives him an assorted route tree.
Troy Franklin’s Weaknesses
Franklin’s athleticism comes at the cost of play strength. He has a slim frame and struggles when faced with some extra physicality. He didn’t face it too often, but when he did, he was easily rerouted. Franklin needs to learn how to take or avoid contact if he wants to have a prosperous career at the next level.
Although he possesses good size at 6-foot-3, he doesn’t use it often. He won’t win many 50-50 balls or make many contested catches. That leads us to an additional problem: his hands. He had problems with concentration drops and seemed like more of a body catcher. He also struggled to track the ball downfield occasionally.
Pro Comparison: Devonta Smith
Although Franklin is bigger than Devonta Smith, their playing styles are similar. They both have bad play strength and need to find creative ways to get past or through contact. They are also both accomplished route runners with knacks of getting open. Athletically, they’re both gifted with the ability to threaten defenses deep.
Draft Projection: First Round
I’m above consensus on Troy Franklin. The consensus suggests he’s a fringe top-30 pick, but his talent exceeds that timid projection. If a team like the Ravens or Chiefs can get him, it’d be a perfect landing spot. Franklin would immediately take the WR1 title and get the chance to catch balls from one of the league’s finest.
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