The NFL’s annual top 100 player rankings debuted on Monday evening, counting down from No. 100 to No. 81. Appearing on the list at No. 100 for the Indianapolis Colts was linebacker Zaire Franklin.
The first 20 names on the #NFLTop100 have been revealed!
100. Zaire Franklin pic.twitter.com/NC5CGxTpwn
— NFL (@NFL) July 23, 2024
These player rankings not only list the top 100 players entering the 2024 season, but they are voted on by the players themselves, going to show the high regard that Franklin is held in around the NFL.
A former seventh-round pick out of Syracuse in 2018, Franklin cut his teeth at the NFL level on special teams before getting the opportunity to start on defense during the 2022 season.
During that span as a starter, Franklin has been a tackling machine, setting the Colts’ franchise record for tackles in each of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, showcasing his ability to be a reliable tackler, along with seemingly always being around the football.
Last season specifically, Franklin totaled seven pressures and 178 combined tackles, according to PFF. In coverage he limited pass catchers to just over 10.0 yards per reception and forced five pass breakups.
Against the run, Franklin ranked third among all linebackers in run defense tackles, he was ninth in run-stops, and 14th in run-stop rate.
“He’s a dog,” head coach Shane Steichen said at the end of last season. “He shows up every single day. He works his tail off. He prepares the right way. He leads in the locker room the right way and he plays with great intensity, great effort and energy.
“Obviously, (he) studies tape. You can see it. He’s in the right spots making tackles over and over and over again every week. Shoot, it’s been a pleasure to have him on this football team, and being around him for my first season with him.”
This past offseason, the Colts signed Franklin to three-year extension, worth $31.26 million, keeping him with the team through the 2027 season.
Pick 235 NFL Draft 2018 -> 100 in NFL 2023
Journey was already written ✍🏾 https://t.co/XsHtX595mE
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) July 23, 2024
