Following Week 2 of the college football season, ESPN’s top NFL Draft analysts took stock of the likely class for the 2024 NFL Draft. Mentioned in the article, was Oregon Ducks wide receiver, Troy Franklin. Jordan Reid, one of ESPN’s analysts had this to say about him:
“Franklin is one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the country even as he flies under the radar. The 6-foot-3, 187-pound wideout became the first Oregon player in the past 20 seasons to have at least 100 receiving yards in each of the team’s first two games with six catches for 106 yards and a touchdown against Texas Tech. His vertical speed and explosiveness really pop on tape. I heard a lot of Day 2 grades for Franklin entering the season, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he starts getting into the top-40 discussion if he keeps this up.”
Since the beginning of the 2022 football season, Troy Franklin’s level of talent has been clear to see. There was a noticeable adjustment period for Ducks quarterback, Bo Nix, after many years at Auburn, but one of the players he developed chemistry with the quickest was Franklin. If not for the effectiveness of that Duo all season long, Oregon wouldn’t have reached nearly the same heights they did. Franklin’s long TD catch against UCLA last season comes to mind as a perfect example of Franklin and Nix being perpetually on the same page.
What likely caught the eye of ESPN and Reid this weekend against Texas Tech, was the diversity with which he produced against the Red Raiders. Sure, his most impressive play was his 75-yard TD for the Ducks’ first score of the game, but he also showcased his hands and his route-running ability with his other five catches. Hopefully, Franklin will continue to turn in games like the one on Saturday, and with it, I imagine his draft stock will continue to rise.
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