Oregon WR Troy Franklin enters the 2024 NFL Draft having shown considerable improvement every year of his career.
Let’s take a look at the talented prospect’s football history and examine his path to the NFL.
Where Did Troy Franklin’s Football Career Start?
Franklin attended Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, Calif.
Over the course of his time in high school, Franklin racked up 102 receptions for 1,790 yards while scoring 34 total touchdowns. Franklin had the privilege of playing in the All-American Bowl in 2021.
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As a four-star recruit, Franklin received no shortage of interest from Division I programs. He sorted through 24 offers, all from FBS schools, ultimately settling on Oregon.
Revisiting Franklin’s College Career
There was no redshirting with Franklin. From the moment he stepped onto Oregon’s campus, he was a part of the offense.
During his freshman year, Franklin appeared in 14 games but was not a starter just yet. He caught 18 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
As a sophomore in 2022, Franklin was elevated to a starting role. That, combined with Bo Nix taking over as starting quarterback, really elevated his play as he secured 61 balls in 13 games for 891 yards and nine touchdowns.
Things continued to improve in his junior year in 2023. Franklin played in 13 games, reeling in 81 passes for 1,381 yards and 14 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Franklin’s collegiate career ended on a bit of a sour note.
In the Pac-12 Championship Game, Franklin had not just the worst game of his season by far but arguably the worst game in his two years as a starter. He caught four passes for 34 yards in Oregon’s loss to Washington.
After the season, Franklin decided not to return to Oregon for his senior year and declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Franklin’s Potential in the NFL
At 6’2″ and 176 pounds, Franklin is a tall, lanky prospect. He’s also very fast, as evidenced by his 4.41-second 40-yard dash time.
Franklin has the profile of an NFL-caliber starting receiver for the next decade, but Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings doesn’t quite see WR1 upside.
“Franklin grades out as a top-50 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and a fringe top-10 player at his position. There are select limitations that may prevent him from being a bona fide WR1 at the NFL level, but in a movement-Z role, he can be an explosive offensive weapon.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Troy Franklin
“At around 6’2″, 183 pounds, Franklin is a snappy, elastic long-strider with the speed and explosiveness to threaten defenses vertically. He can carve up seams and up the boundary, but he also has the lateral twitch and foot speed to offset DBs, the sink and flexibility to support a full route tree, and the agility and active feet to be a stubborn RAC threat.
“Franklin is almost certainly going to be selected on Day 2, likely in the second round. Landing spot will be key for his development, as operating as the stretch Z opposite an alpha WR1 would serve him well.
“Ultimately, with his lighter frame, Franklin may never supersede some of the issues on his scouting report. Still, in a movement-Z role where he can be schemed touches, separate at multiple levels, and use his speed to serve as a catalyst, he can be a high-end WR2 with quality starter upside — in a similar mold to Robbie “Chosen” Anderson.”
Highlights, Records, and More
Obviously, Franklin didn’t do much as a freshman. But in his sophomore and junior years, he earned some individual accolades.
Franklin was named second-team All-Pac-12 in 2022. He was first-team All-Pac-12 in 2023, as well as a second-team All-American.
College Football Network gave Franklin a spot on its 2023 first-team All-American offense at the Flex position, as well.
While his final season didn’t end the way he wanted it to, Franklin still had an incredible year. He went over 100 yards in eight out of 13 games and scored a touchdown in all but three games.
Even if he lacks the upside of a true WR1 in the NFL, Franklin has all the makings of an impact player at the next level.
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