The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on April 25. As the annual preseason mock draft bonanza demonstrates, it’s never too early to discuss it.
This year’s wide receiver class is littered deep with top-end prospects. The headline names of Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Rome Odunze figure to be potential top-10 picks. LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. might also make a charge to the top of the draft based on all pre-draft conversations. Then, Thomas went and blazed his 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine; so, his stock might have shot up.
But while the headliners grab the attention, there are still plenty of wide receiver prospects to be had. Namely, Oregon Ducks receiver Troy Franklin.
The 6-foot-2, 176-pound Franklin became the greatest Oregon wide receiver ever during his time with the Ducks. With all due respect to Samie Parker, Franklin was outstanding in three seasons as a Duck. There’s a lot to like about him, between his sure hands and his acceleration after the catch.
While he might not hear his name called early, it won’t affect his ability. So, it makes you wonder: Where does Troy Franklin fit the best? Here are five destinations we think might work for him:
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons will enter a pivotal offseason this year. The team might upgrade at quarterback, as Justin Fields and Kirk Cousins are rumored to be the team’s next quarterback. Outside of that, the team has a lot of quality skill position players. With Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allegier in the backfield, and Drake London outside with Kyle Pitts, too, the Falcons have some excellent dudes.
So what about drafting another? The team will pick eighth overall and has a chance to have a pick of the litter there. But if the team thinks it’s too early to take a receiver, they could come around for Troy. But the problem is that the Falcons pick at No. 8 and then at No. 74. They’d have to trade in with their capital, so while it makes sense, it requires a bit more legwork.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills parted ways with several key contributors on defense. On offense, they might lose receiver Gabe Davis as well. The team will need a second receiver opposite the great Stefon Diggs. So, why not spend a draft pick at wide receiver with Franklin? Buffalo picks at the end of the first round, where Franklin will likely be available.
He would be a tremendous addition to their high-powered offense with Diggs and the prolific Josh Allen; the former Wyoming standout would grow to appreciate Franklin’s lightning speed and incredible athleticism. Buffalo’s pick will be hugely decided on what they do in free agency amid an ongoing reshuffle. Troy could be tempting, though.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young needs some help! After a brutal rookie year, the talented former Alabama star will enter his “sophomore” NFL season. It was bad enough that the Carolina Panthers traded D.J. Moore to get Bryce, but they didn’t saddle him with a strong supporting cast. They don’t have a first-round pick, so they’ll have to wait until pick 33. However, it’s very possible that Troy could be there.
The Panthers might be wise to take him, given their current supporting cast and lack of first-round pick. The team needs a lot, but a strong wide receiver could help them even a little. All things considered, this could be the likeliest landing spot for Franklin.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Carolina Panthers might be the likeliest landing spot for Troy Franklin. The most dangerous place for Troy Franklin is with the Kansas City Chiefs. And that danger is for everybody else in the NFL. The Chiefs went back-to-back, winning the Super Bowl this year, and they will aim for the first three-peat in NFL history next season.
With a receiver group needing more firepower, picking Troy might help take them to another level. He’ll surely be a rookie, but his productivity and skillset should translate quickly. And having the best quarterback in the sport throw him the ball? Dynamite. If the Chiefs take Franklin at the end of Round 1, the three-peat watch is on.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are in desperate need of a facelift. It sounds like the Giants are ready to move on from Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback, and they’ve already decided not to franchise-tag star running back Saquon Barkley. There hasn’t been a genuinely dynamic wide receiver for Big Blue since Odell Beckham Jr. To take the next step in transforming the team, bringing a wide receiver like Franklin would help. New York might pick a quarterback in the first round. So, why not immediately give the new quarterback a fun toy to play with?
The Giants have been missing a dynamic receiver on their roster for several years. They won’t take him in the top 10. But 39th overall? If players like Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell get taken over Franklin, he could slide a little, leaving the Giants with a decision to make. If I were them, I’d go all in.
