Browns NFL Draft Profile: WR Troy Franklin

Could Franklin be the downfield threat that Cleveland’s been searching for?

The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2024 NFL Draft with multiple position groups in mind and wide receiver is most likely one of their main focuses early on.

Cleveland acquired Jerry Jeudy in a trade from the Denver Broncos in March, which bolstered the floor of the team’s receiver room in a big way. Aside from that move, not much has been done to improve the weapons around Deshaun Watson.

This leads many to believe that they’re setting their sights on the NFL Draft to add some spice and playmaking potential to the offense.

If this ends up being the case, Troy Franklin is a player who could be on Cleveland’s radar with their first selection due to his youth, elite speed, and advanced route-running skills.

Name

Troy Franklin

Position

Wide Receiver

Height/Weight

6’1.7”, 176 pounds

College

University of Oregon

Stats

2023: 13 games – 81 recs., 1383 yards, 17.1 avg., 14 TD

Overall: 40 games – 160 recs., 2483 yards, 15.5 avg., 25 TD

Relative Athletic Score

“Big Board” ranking at time of publishing

38th

What experts are saying

“The puzzle pieces are fairly easy to put together when assessing who Franklin is and who he could be in the NFL. He’s a tall, linear receiver with good speed. He’s sudden enough to beat press but lacks the play strength to win combat catches and fight for operating space underneath. He has an innate talent for avoiding traffic and maintaining his distance from pursuit after the catch on crossing routes on all three levels. Franklin might not get WR1 target volume, but he should be productive with a high yards-per-catch average and the ability to open things up underneath for his teammates. Franklin could become a coveted complementary piece for an established WR1 or a productive vertical target for a team looking for instant help in the passing game.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft Analyst

“Franklin’s speed makes him an exciting swing on high-end potential, while his crafty route-running and attention to detail gives him a comfortable floor. Franklin would fit best as a No. 2 in a vertical offense, primarily as an outside receiver.” – Derrik Klassen, B/R

“Troy Franklin is a dynamic vertical receiver with good route-running ability to win versus single coverage without safety help over the top.” – Damian Parson, The Draft Network

Pros

• One of the most explosive movers in the entire receiver class
• Does a great job of being able to stack defenders behind him on deep balls
• Shows a unique release package, he’s able to get off the line and beat press corners consistently
• Great ball tracking ability, easily adjusts to and locates the ball in the air
• Despite being sub-180 lbs., he’s able to generate good YAC using his agility and footwork to avoid tacklers
• Great route-runner, smooth in and out of breaks with an above-average ability to stop/start on a “dime”
• Understands how to leverage defensive backs and manipulate their movement

Cons

• Long, wiry frame
• He’s not the best when it comes to contested catch situations
• Below-average blocker due to lack of overall strength

Browns player drafting could impact

Cedric Tillman. If Cleveland were to draft Franklin he would be competing with Tillman for reps on the outside. Though they aren’t the same type of player, it would most likely affect Tillman in terms of his overall development.

It appears as though the Browns are still trying to figure out what to do with Tillman in regard to maximizing his potential. They ended up using him as a “big slot” toward the end of the 2023 season and he looked good there.

Priority

Medium-High. The Browns already needed to add a playmaker at receiver this offseason, and the fact that Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore are set to hit free agency following the 2024 season only solidifies the demand.

Cleveland is in a fairly good position to take a great wide receiver at pick 54 and there’s even a slight chance that they could trade up a few spots to grab one.

What are your thoughts on Troy Franklin? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.