Broncos roster: WR Troy Franklin (No. 11) looks to have bounce-back season
Broncos roster: WR Troy Franklin (No. 11) looks to have bounce-back season
Broncos Wire's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year wide receiver Troy Franklin, No. 11.
Before the Broncos: Franklin (6-2, 170 pounds) was a three-year player at the University of Oregon from 2021-23. In Franklin's freshman year as a Duck (2021), he didn't exactly have eye-catching numbers: only 18 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2022, Franklin benefited from a change at quarterback when he had then-Auburn transfer Bo Nix come in to Eugene. Franklin's production jumped drastically to 61 catches for 891 yards and nine touchdowns, which led the Pac-12 in 13 games.
Franklin's best year as a receiver was by far and away the 2023 campaign. Franklin caught 81 passes for 1,383 yards and another Pac-12 leading season with 14 touchdowns. Franklin averaged 106.4 yards per game in 2023, and was Nix's No. 1 target on offense. Prior to the 2024 NFL draft, the Broncos came to scout Nix, and Franklin ran routes during their throwing session. Coaches liked what they saw, and they selected both players: Nix 12th overall in the first round, and Franklin with the 121st overall pick (fourth round).
Broncos tenure: Franklin had an up-and-down rookie season in Denver, starting six games, playing in 16 of 18 games (including the playoffs) in 2024. Franklin generated the fourth-most targets (53) on the Broncos, but only had the sixth-most receptions (28) for 268 yards and two touchdowns.
Franklin did play a big part in the Broncos' wild card playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, catching the opening drive touchdown from Nix to put Denver up 7-0. That would be Denver's only score during the game.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely. While head coach Sean Payton liked what he saw in the pre-draft process with Franklin, there has been some fan speculation on Franklin's future with the Broncos, and how long he would last after a lackluster 2024 campaign. Franklin did show flashes of potential in his rookie year, but he has to make his presence known in training camp to not be overshadowed by the likes of Devaughn Vele or 2025 draftee Pat Bryant. Franklin seems likely to make the squad, but if he wants more playing time in Year 2, he needs to step up.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
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