Why is Troy Franklin's stock falling in 2024 NFL Draft? Exploring potential reasons behind Oregon WR's slide
Oregon's Troy Franklin was viewed as a top-10 wide receiver in the 2024 NFL draft but wasn't one of the seven selected in the first round. He was a projected late first-round player with some mock drafts having him in the early second round.
The seven wide receivers selected in round one last night tied an all-time record. With that being said, having so many talented wide receivers to choose from didn't help Franklin's chances of being selected in the first round.
While he possesses good height for an NFL wide receiver, he is one of the lighter wide receivers in the class, being listed as 187 pounds. Another reason for his slide was the run on QBs, with many teams arguably reaching for them early. With many of these teams prioritizing the QB position, other positions fell, including WRs.
Franklin had a good senior season, compiling over 80 catches and 1,300 yards with 14 touchdowns. He had good combine numbers and doesn't have any major red flags.
While his stock slid last night, his name should be called early tonight with a big possibility of being selected in the second round.
Troy Franklin draft projection: Who could draft Oregon WR?
In most mock drafts, Troy Franklin is one of the three top wide receivers still available. On Thursday, fans saw seven wide receivers selected in the first round and there could be a plethora of them selected tonight.
It wasn't a huge surprise to see Franklin drop out of the first round. As mentioned above, there was so much talent at the receiver position in Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas Jr., Xavier Worthy, Ricky Pearsall, and Xavier Leagette.
Many teams could still benefit from selecting a wide receiver such as Franklin. The Buffalo Bills traded back with the Carolina Panthers a spot and hold the first pick (pick No. 33) in tonight's draft. After losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this off-season, they could select a wideout next.
Picking right after the Bills is the New England Patriots, who could add a wide receiver to help out Drake Maye. The Los Angeles Chargers are another team that desperately needs help at the wide receiver position. Instead of selecting Nabers or Odunze in the first round, the Chargers beefed up their OL to help protect Justin Herbert, selecting Joe Alt.
Other teams that could go WR in the second round include the Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and any team from the AFC North.
Other top wide receiver prospects available include Keon Coleman, Ladd McConkey, Roman Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Jermaine Burton.
Who do you think will select Troy Franklin?
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