Bills to Host Oregon WR Troy Franklin For 'Private Workout'

The Buffalo Bills could be turning to the rookie ranks if and when Stefon Diggs officially moves on, doing their due diligence on Oregon Ducks speedster Troy Franklin.

The Buffalo Bills appear to be preparing for life after Stefon Diggs. 

According to a report from Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Buffalo has scheduled a private workout with Oregon star Troy Franklin amidst further questions surrounding Diggs' future. The early entrant's name appears at or near the top of the Eugene record books' receiving chapters. 

"There were plenty of storylines from Oregon pro day, which was televised earlier this week, and receiver Troy Franklin was one of the better ones," Pauline wrote. "Franklin was sick during the Combine and weighed in eight pounds heavier (176 versus 183) on pro day. He looked exceptional catching the ball in position drills and impressed a lot of scouts."

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Franklin leaves Oregon as the program's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (25) and sixth in yardage (2,483). Though ill, Franklin did partake in several Combine drills, including a 4.41 run in the 40-yard-dash (a 10-yard split at 1.61) that has some mock drafts pushing him toward the end of the opening round, where the Bills are picking 28th.

In a scouting report for NFL.com, Lance Zierlein compared Franklin to current New Orleans Saints playmaker Chris Olave. 

"He’s sudden enough to beat press but lacks the play strength to win combat catches and fight for operating space underneath," Zierlein said. "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."

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Buffalo has slowly started to build a bit of a post-Diggs cabinet, agreeing to terms with Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins last week while expecting larger responsibilities for Khalil Shakir. With the free agency storm starting to quell, the Bills will probably have to use whatever major capital they have left on further receiving reinforcement, especially with longtime second option Gabe Davis moving south to Jacksonville.

The 2024 NFL Draft will open on April 25 in Detroit.