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Troy Franklin Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Fast
- Deep-threat receiver
- First-step quickness
- Explosive
- Capable of generating separation
- Second-gear speed
- Tall
- Good catch radius
- Threat to score on any touch
- Stretches a defense vertically
Weaknesses:
- Skinny
- Could struggle with physical corners
- Could struggle to get off press coverage
- Thin frame; needs more weight
- More straight line
- Route-unning limitations
- Body catches often
Prospect Summary:
After Bo Nix arrived in Eugene, the Oregon passing attack took off and Nix put up some prolific numbers. His best receiver and most dangerous deep threat was Franklin. They enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, with Franklin recording 61 catches for 891 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2023, Franklin dominated the Pac-12m catching 81 passes for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Franklin is extremely fast at separating from defensive backs over the top and stretching the field vertically. He is a home run hitter who possesses a second gear to run by defensive backs and get open deep down the field. As a pro, Franklin is going to challenge defenses with his deep speed because he can flat-out fly past defensive backs. Along with his speed, Franklin has good height and a larger catch radius than typical speed receivers.
Franklin is rail thin, and it looks like he won’t be able to add much weight to his frame. Being so skinny could limit Franklin in the NFL because he could struggle to get off press coverage and have problems with physical cornerbacks. As a route-runner, Franklin is linear and has some limitations. Given the size and route-running issues, Franklin might top out as a third and or fourth rotational receiver at the next level.
Multiple NFL team sources have said their team had graded Franklin for the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft. Some in the media, however, have projected him to Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Prospect Comparison:
Robbie Chosen – formerly Robbie Anderson. Franklin is very similar to Chosen. Both are fast receivers who are tall and skinny. Franklin has some limitations similar to Chosen’s. If Franklin pans out, I could see him being a wideout similar to Anderson.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
