FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Troy Franklin

Troy Franklin (WR – Oregon)

6’3” – 187 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who was considered one of the top receivers in his class. Appeared in all fourteen games as a freshman, catching 18-209-2 (11.6). Took over as the team’s number-one receiver the following year, finishing with 61-891-9 (14.6), and has made another big step forward this year, with 81-1,383-14 (17.1) heading into bowl season.

Positives:

High-percentage, productive two-year starter with escalating output. Tall, long-limbed receiver who usually lines up outside but has taken about a fifth of his snaps from the slot as well. Shows some simple but effective releases. Smooth mover with very good flexibility. Long-strider who eats up cushions pretty quickly and shows above-average speed; able to threaten defenses downfield. Runs routes to all three levels of the field; a lot of out routes, hitches/curls, back-shoulder throws, fades, posts, and go balls. Offers a pretty wide catch radius, and the team ran some plays to take advantage of his size/length. Able to track over his shoulder when working downfield and make pretty good adjustments to the ball. Shows good competitiveness and even some ability to break tackles after the catch. Length and understanding of positioning give him some upside as a blocker.

Negatives:

Frame is thin and gangly, and will probably be asked to add more bulk at the next level. Could probably stand to further diversify his release package. Can be disrupted/re-routed by physical cornerbacks. Overall explosiveness is closer to adequate. Would like to see sharper cuts with more hip sink and burst out of the stem to create separation. Can struggle to box out defensive backs, letting them back into positioning to make a play on the ball. Has had some issues with drops this year (nine as of the time of writing), and as a freshman. Doesn’t have much power as a blocker, and can struggle to sustain.

Summary:

A tall, lanky receiver with very good flexibility and solid speed, he makes good adjustments to the ball and provides a relatively big target for his quarterback. However, his thin frame, lack of ideal functional strength, and relatively basic route-running may make it difficult for him to make as immediate an impact as some of the other receiver prospects in the class. Early on in his career, will probably be used as a deep threat and goal-line option as he builds strength and refines his game. Production and tools should get him into the second day.

Projection: Round 3