Breaking: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect to Watch: Oregon’s Top Prospect
The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft looms large, with the Kansas City Chiefs aiming for another successful haul under the guidance of general manager Brett Veach. Over recent seasons, Veach and his team have strategically utilized the draft to bring in talented young players at a manageable cost, bolstering their championship-caliber roster. While the outcomes have been impressive, the competitive landscape can change rapidly.
Kansas City is banking on a strong rookie class in 2024 to maintain their standing among the younger teams in football. As the draft approaches, Arrowhead Report is spotlighting potential prospects, with Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin being the next in line to be evaluated.
BACKGROUND
Height: 6 feet, 1 inch; Weight: 176 pounds; Age: 21; Relative Athletic Score: 8.18. In 2023, he made 81 receptions, gained 1,383 yards, and scored 14 touchdowns. He participated in all collegiate seasons at Oregon.
WHERE FRANKLIN CREATES ADVANTAGES
Franklin’s tape immediately highlights his impressive speed and agility, which are his standout qualities. His ability to accelerate off the line using various techniques makes him a genuine deep-threat option.
This demands respect from defensive backs, potentially opening up significant opportunities for him on long passes or comeback routes where he can adjust back towards the quarterback. Additionally, Franklin demonstrates a solid understanding of reading zones, enabling him to adjust his route and find openings effectively.
His route-running displays sharpness, and he shows promise in understanding leverage dynamics, a valuable asset for his future development. Notably, Franklin excels in not slowing down unnecessarily to locate the ball, a skill that sets him apart from many young receivers.
WHERE FRANKLIN COULD BE AT A DISADVANTAGE
Franklin’s physique, naturally slimmer compared to taller receivers, is a concern, especially since he weighs 11 pounds less than what Oregon’s site lists. His performance suffers when facing close coverage near the line, and his ability to engage in hand-to-hand combat is only average, not exceptional.
He may struggle against larger or stronger cornerbacks. Despite having decent arm length, he doesn’t fully utilize it in his receiving game. Despite his good tracking skills and impressive 39-inch vertical jump, he isn’t consistently dominant in contested catches, largely due to his lack of strength, which also affects his blocking ability.
Franklin’s agility is somewhat hindered by his higher center of gravity, and his catching technique is questionable at times, as he tends to rely on his body rather than his hands, resulting in occasional drops.
THE VERDICT
At the forefront of the 2024 NFL Draft receiver class stand Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers. However, beyond them, the competition intensifies for the subsequent wide receiver selections. Despite an underwhelming Combine performance, Franklin remains firmly in contention.
He could be drafted as early as the fourth or fifth receiver, or potentially slip closer to the tenth spot. Franklin is envisioned as a versatile asset at the NFL level, likely filling the ‘Z’ or slot role, capitalizing on his athletic abilities.
His final season with the Ducks displayed his potential, consistently surpassing the 100-yard mark in eight games, with one just shy at 99 yards. Overcoming concerns about handling physical coverage and catching limitations will be pivotal for his success in the professional realm.
Comparisons to Marquez Valdes-Scantling have emerged in Chiefs circles, suggesting Franklin could offer a younger and more cost-effective option, maintaining the team’s deep threat capabilities. With a higher ceiling, Franklin presents an enticing target for Patrick Mahomes. If available at pick No. 32, the Chiefs may be enticed to select him. Franklin holds the seventh position on my personal receiver ranking board.