Troy Franklin is an ideal complement to the Commanders receiving corps

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Troy Franklin, WR

School: University of Oregon | Conference: Pac-12

College Experience: Junior | Draft Age: 21

Height / Weight: 6’2” / 176 lbs

Projected Draft Status: Late 1st-2nd round

Player Comparison: Chris Olave / Jaylin Hyatt

College Statistics

Player Overview

Troy Franklin had a productive three year career with the University of Oregon Ducks, where he became the school leader in receiving touchdowns (25). His production increased steadily each year before topping out in his junior season with a stat-line of 81 receptions, 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games. He has earned Second-team All-Pac-12 in 2022 and First-team All-Pac-12 in 2023. Franklin also earned Second-team Associated Press All-American honors.

Troy Franklin is viewed as a complementary playmaker next to a WR1. While he was the linchpin of the Oregon Ducks offense, scouts are hesitant on his body frame and occasional drops and body catches. However, Franklin’s speed, ball tracking, separation ability, and body adjustments are what makes him special. Troy Franklin projects to be a WR2, Z-receiver.

Strengths

• Lightning fast release, eats up space in an instant.
• Burner. Able to get separation on speed alone.
• Runs at angles to elude press coverages.
• Nifty route runner, able to set up the defender before breaking open.
• Good deep ball tracking.
• Good body control and adjustment at the catch.
• Ran plenty of routes.

Weaknesses

• Needs better work at catching.
• Lean build may limit his ability to add more weight.
• Drops. Some concentration, some from trying to body catch.
• Light weight allowed him to be bullied around by physical defenders.

Let’s See His Work

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

Washington needs playmakers with size and height. The Commanders offense had a myriad of issues, with one of them being a lack of consistent big plays from the passing game. This becomes harder with the departure of Curtis Samuel. An investment in Troy Franklin would be an investment in the passing attack. While not the heaviest of receivers, he would come in as one of the tallest while just as fast as Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Franklin, coming in as the likeliest third receiver, won’t have to be solely relied upon to carry the offensive burden. Troy Franklin provides Washington a tall receiver who can be the focal point of the passing attack in the future.