While drama and chaos annually ensue on Day 1 of the NFL Draft, Friday’s edition featured a major stunner involving Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin.
Once thought of as a potential first-rounder in a loaded wideout class, the Ducks star remains undrafted through the first 100 selections. His stunning fall sparked strong online reactions.
Update: The Denver Broncos traded up to No. 102 in the fourth round to draft Troy Franklin, reuniting the WR with his college QB Bo Nix. Denver sent No. 121, No. 136 and No. 207 to the Seattle Seahawks for No. 102 and No. 235.
Troy Franklin is one of the most explosive playmakers in the draft. 💥#GoDucks | #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/HXiB2MP8ti
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 27, 2024
Former Top 5 Pick Among Those Stunned by Troy Franklin’s Fall
Akili Smith, Oregon legend and a former top-five pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, was one who was perplexed by Franklin’s sudden fall out of the first three rounds.
“What is going on with Troy Franklin…” Smith posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) with a “wow” hashtag.
What is going on with Troy Franklin… #wow
— Akili Smith (@akili_smith) April 27, 2024
Another vocal reaction came from former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Samie Parker.
Crazy Troy Franklin ain’t got drafted yet 🤯
— SAMIE PARKER (@SAMIEPARKER) April 27, 2024
Franklin entered the draft with high praise and a top-100 projection in multiple mock drafts. PFN Consensus projected Franklin going No. 63 to the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the draft before Thursday.
Meanwhile, former NFL tight end George Wrightster posted a bold prediction for Franklin — which featured a comparison to one Pro Bowl wideout.
“Troy Franklin will be the Amon-Ra St. Brown of this draft. So many WRs went in front, but he will be one of the best in the NFL,” Wrightster posted before the draft wrapped up.
Troy Franklin will be the Amon-Ra St. Brown of this draft. So many WRs went in front but he will be one of the best in the NFL.
— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) April 27, 2024
Even longtime NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. listed Franklin high on his original board at No. 52 overall. Now, Franklin is among Kiper’s “best available” ahead of the final day of the three-day event, plus his best available receiver ahead of the fourth round.
Here are my best available prospects heading into Round 4:
— CB T.J. Tampa (No. 38 overall on my Big Board)
— WR Troy Franklin (52)
— OLB Mohamed Kamara (67)
— S Jaden Hicks (71)
— TE Ja'Tavion Sanders (75)— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 27, 2024
Why and How is Franklin Still Available?
Sure, Franklin entered a 2024 draft featuring one of the deepest wideout classes in recent memory.
Marvin Harrison Jr. sparked the WR movement by going fourth overall to the Arizona Cardinals. From there, Malik Nabers went next at No. 6, followed by Rome Odunze (ninth overall), Brian Thomas Jr. (No. 23), and Xavier Worthy (28th), landing in the first round.
The final two picks, though, were considered surprises, with Ricky Pearsall landing at No. 31 and Xavier Legette concluding the draft at 32. Legette was considered a fringe first-round projection, while Pearsall had many believing he’d go as low as the third round.
Then in rounds 2-3, a total of nine WRs went between selections 33 to 100. And Luke McCaffrey of Rice ended night two by going 100th overall to the Washington Commanders.
Were there signs of flaws in Franklin’s game that pointed to him drawing question marks before the draft?
Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings pointed out his light frame and inability to fight off press coverage as two weaknesses. Yet, Cummings was one who was high on Franklin’s potential ahead of the 2024 draft.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Troy Franklin
“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,” Cummings said.
Whichever team takes Franklin will get a receiver who snatched 81 passes, racked up 1,383 yards, and scored 14 touchdowns as a top target of first-round quarterback Bo Nix in 2023. But that franchise will also help put an end to Friday’s stunning draft fall.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
