Star Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin is headed for the NFL Draft this spring. The junior from Palo Alto tallied 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, making him an attractive prospect for the many teams looking to draft a receiver. He's currently rated as a late first round or early second round draft pick, but I expect his stock to rise following the NFL Combine and Oregon's pro day. Franklin is extremely fast and his 40-yard dash time is expected to range from a low 4.3 to a high 4.2 seconds. An exhibition of that speed would likely see Franklin fly up draft boards at a similar velocity. These categories rate potential teams on their draft compatibility with Franklin.
1. DRAFT MATCHES:
These teams need receiving help and have draft picks that line up with Franklin's expected draft position. These teams draft in the first and early second round and would likely see Franklin line up at WR2 or better.
Kansas City Chiefs:
The league's best quarterback is headed to this weekend's AFC Championship game despite throwing to one of the league's worst receiving corps. The Chiefs had more drops than anybody and have only one real receiving weapon in rookie Rashee Rice. Patrick Mahomes had tremendous success with speedster Tyreek Hill and would likely thrive alongside the similarly fast Franklin. The Chiefs will have one of the last picks of the first round, which gives them a solid chance of landing Franklin if they so choose.
Tennessee Titans:
Rookie QB Will Levis showed flashes of brilliance this season and the Titans will be looking to build around him this offseason. They'll presumably get an offensive tackle with the seventh pick and are likely to take a receiver with their early second round pick. Deandre Hopkins delivered for the Titans as a free agent signee and has another year on his contract. The Titans will hope to see Treylon Burks elevate in his third season but need another receiver regardless. If Franklin isn't drafted before 38 when the Titans pick, I'd be somewhat surprised to see the Titans pass on him.
Baltimore Ravens:
Baltimore struck gold with rookie wideout Zay Flowers. Their other receivers are veterans Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr, neither of whom have existing contracts for next season. With superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson under contract for four more years, the Ravens will be looking to give him a second long-term receiving target. Baltimore will have one of the last first round picks this year, which means they're likely to be eyeing Franklin as a potential draft pick.
New England Patriots:
The Patriots will most likely draft a quarterback with the third pick and will be looking to build around that quarterback with their next pick, which is the second pick of round two. The Patriots need help everywhere and may be tempted to draft an offensive tackle, but I expect them to make an attempt at an elite wide receiver, which generally becomes difficult after the early second round. They need serious help at the position and I don't see them passing up the chance to draft a day one starter with pick 34.
Buffalo Bills:
Gabe Davis will be a free agent this offseason and Stefon Diggs seemed less effective than he has in previous seasons. With that in mind, the Bills will want to ensure that star quarterback Josh Allen is surrounded with receiving talent next year. The Bills pick at 28, a slot that gives them a likely shot at Franklin should they so choose.
2. SECOND ROUND OPTIONS:
These teams have first round needs that don't currently match up perfectly with Franklin but could snatch him up in the second if he's still available and their WR needs are unmet.
New York Giants:
The Giants' sixth overall pick has been heavily linked to WR Rome Odunze, but the team may be tempted to draft a quarterback if a suitable replacement for Daniel Jones remains on the board. Those expecting Odunze at six expect the Giants target a quarterback with pick 39. If the Giants draft a quarterback earlier than expected, their next pick would very likely be a receiver. Franklin may still be on the board at 39, and he'd be an appealing speed option to compliment Giants speedster Jalin Hyatt.
Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals will see two of their three starting receivers headed to free agency this offseason. If they are unable to retain Tyler Boyd or Tee Higgins, the Bengals will need a fresh face at wideout. The Bengals pick at 18 and 49, which are the outside edges of Franklin's current draft range. If a good combine boosts him into a mid-range first round pick, he could be a viable option at 18. If he slides into the middle of the second round, he'd be a valuable pickup for Joe Burrow's offense.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders will almost certainly draft a quarterback with the second overall pick. They also pick 36th and 40th and could conceivably draft offensive lineman with both, as Sam Howell took a beating behind last year's offensive line. If they don't double up on linemen, they could possibly take a receiver. They have plenty of other roster holes and a young receiving corps, so they could pass on Franklin, but the presence of two early second round picks gives them two chances to take the tempting Franklin.
Los Angeles Chargers:
The Chargers have the fifth overall pick and will likely get Justin Herbert a pass catcher. If that ends up being star tight end Brock Bowers instead of a receiver, the Chargers have pick 37 with which to secure a talented wideout. After seemingly missing on first round pick Quentin Johnston last year, the Chargers are desperate to provide Herbert some quality options besides the aging Keenan Allen and the often-injured Mike Williams.
Cleveland Browns:
The Browns don't draft until pick 58 but are looking to add a receiver. If Franklin's still on the board at 58, he's an appealing speed threat that would force defensive backs to line up deep, in turn allowing the run-heavy Browns to thrive under their identity.
3. THIRD ROUND LONG SHOTS:
These teams are in situations that make a second round Franklin pairing unlikely. If Franklin somehow falls to the third, these teams would be adding great value for cheap.
New York Jets:
The Jets have the tenth pick and will almost certainly draft an offensive tackle to protect the 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who will be entering the final season of his contract. The Jets need another long-term receiver to compliment 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and don't pick again until pick 72 of the third round. I would be shocked if Franklin fell to 72 but the Jets would get an absolute steal if he's still around.
Atlanta Falcons:
Atlanta is probably looking for a quarterback and and edge rusher with their eighth and 43rd picks. There's potential for them to get a receiver with one of those, but I'd expect them to wait until their third round pick, which is two picks after the Jets' at 74. If Franklin somehow slips past the Jets at 72, I'd look for Franklin to land in Atlanta.
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