A big-time playmaker who experienced a breakout season, Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin will look to continue to develop as he enters the 2024 NFL Draft.
Here is everything you need to know about the Ducks speedster:
Vitals
Height: 6-2
Weight: 176
Class: Junior
40 yard dash: 4.41
Strengths
A tall, lean receiver with plenty of long speed, Troy Franklin was a legit star in the Oregon offense led by quarterback Box Nix. His speed and frame allowed Franklin to be the deep ball threat the Oregon offense desperately needed.
Franklin possesses an intriguing build, standing at 6-2 and with plenty of length to stretch out for deep balls and lunge into forward momentum on routes. Franklin’s deep speed was a big reason why this Oregon Ducks offense was able to be as productive as it was, with teams constantly having to respect the big play ability of Franklin. It allowed the offense to open up a lot underneath.
A solid route runner with plenty of burst to catch defensive backs off guard, Franklin will enter the NFL as that deep ball threat he was in college. His run-after-the-catch ability is understated due to his frame, but Franklin has some sizzle to his runs that can leave defensive backs off balance and gripping grass on arm tackles. Franklin’s athleticism and length translate to his ability to go up and get the ball as well, as he is smooth and explosive when it comes to tracking the football and adjusting his body in a leap to grab it.
Franklin put it all together last year and amassed 81 catches, 1,383 yards, and 13 touchdowns on the season. Defenses knew what Franklin was going to do and still had little chance of stopping him.
Weaknesses
Franklin’s thin frame does affect his ability to get off a jam. Bigger corners have bullied him at the line, and there are going to be bigger and stronger defensive backs at the next level. This strength also translates to less than ideal contested catch success at the next level. Franklin is going to need to add some size at the next level to avoid being a bit of a one-trick pony on offense.
Projection
The NFL is always looking for an offensive weapon to take the top off the defense, and that should be exactly what Franklin will provide for whoever drafts him. If Franklin can add some weight without losing that top tier bursting speed, he could eventually develop into a dangerous number one receiver in this league. Ultimately Franklin’s less than desirable play strength and an underwhelming 40 yard dash time will likely keep him out of the first round, but he shouldn’t last too much longer past that given his deep threat ability.
Projection: Top 50
