New York Giants Draft Preview: WR Troy Franklin

Troy Franklin conjures up comparisons to another current Giants receiver.

Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) celebrates after / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Troy Franklin, WR

Height: 6’ 1 ⅞”
Weight: 176 lbs
Class: Junior
School: Oregon
STATS

Coming out of Menlo-Atherton in Menlo Park, California, Troy Franklin was a headliner int he 2021 recruiting class. Franklin was the 41st-ranked recruit in the class, including being the #3 receiver and second-highest rated recruit in California. The decision for college for Franklin came down to Oregon or Washington; he decided to take his talents to Eugene, Oregon.

Strengths

* Elite deep speed that plays faster than his already strong testing
* Has an excellent release package with a quickness that allows him to win early and then speed to win the rest of the way
* Stacks cornerbacks then races them and wins almost every time
* Consistent outside release allows him to fake to the outside then break in on slants
* Capable of creating as a yards-after-catch receiver
* Has a catch radius that allows him to live above the rim and counteract some overthrows while also being someone that can drop down and get his hands underneath the ball
* Isn’t a very strong player but isn’t afraid to initiate contact as the ball-carrier
* Does a good job of tracking the ball when running downfield

[View more draft prospect scouting profiles.]

Weaknesses

* 5th percentile height is a concern--stay that lean and have a higher perceived injury risk or gain bulk and run the risk of losing some athletic ability?
* If stronger NFL cornerbacks get their hands on him at the line, he could struggle
* Focus drops are an issue as he tends to try and identify threatening defenders with the ball coming in
* Contested catches will probably be an issue due to his frame and demeanor pre-catch
* Is going to need to work on cleaning up his route-running, including varying his route tempo
* Poor downfield blocker - uncommon for receivers coming out of Oregon

Summary

Franklin is this year’s Jalin Hyatt in my opinion, a player in the DeSean Jackson or Will Fuller V mold that thrives as a vertical threat but is capable of contributing as a catch-and-run player as well. In my opinion, Franklin is relatively maxed out right now due to his unlikelihood of gaining mass giving him certain limits so there are fewer areas to improve upon. With that being said, Franklin is already a very impressive inside-out receiver that can become a capable long-term WR2.

GRADE: 6.35

Nick Falato's Draft Grade Chart / Nick Falato

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