Know Your Chiefs Draft Prospect: Oregon WR Troy Franklin

The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Kansas City Chiefs are seeking yet another quality haul from general manager Brett Veach.

In recent seasons, Veach and his staff have used the draft to bring in cost-controlled young talents to insulate a championship roster. The results speak for themselves, although windows can close quickly. Kansas City hopes that a good 2024 rookie class joining one of football's younger teams can keep the franchise in top competitive form.

With the draft on the horizon, Arrowhead Report is taking a look at prospects who could hear their names called in late April. Up next is Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin.

Background

• Height: 6017
• Weight: 176
• Age: 21
• Relative Athletic Score: 8.18
• 2023: 81 receptions, 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns
• Played all collegiate seasons at Oregon

Where Franklin creates advantages

One of the first things that jumps out on Franklin's tape is his speed and foot quickness. Being fast is his main selling point, as he gets off the line of scrimmage with varied releases and boasts true deep-threat potential. Because defensive backs must respect that, he could be a huge opportunist on field-stretching chances or even comeback routes where he can work back toward the quarterback. 

Franklin boasts an above-average feel for zones and can throttle down and find open spaces to settle into. He's capable of being snappy at the top of his route stems. Franklin also has a decent understanding of leverage, which will come in handy moving forward. He doesn't need to slow down and waste progress to find the ball — a major plus. Many young receivers do.

Where Franklin could be at a disadvantage

Franklin already had a thinner frame than most taller receivers, and weighing in 11 pounds lower than his listed number on Oregon's site is worrisome. He doesn't do well when smothered at or near the line and his hand fighting is merely solid rather than good or great. Bigger or stronger cornerbacks could give Franklin trouble. 

While Franklin does have decent length, he doesn't make the most of it as a receiving option. Despite the tracking ability and a 39-inch vertical jump, he isn't a true ball-winner and the lack of strength shows up at the catch point. It also makes him a questionable blocker. Franklin isn't the most fluid lateral athlete due to the higher center of gravity. Hands are one of the main question marks with him, as he was a body catcher at times in college and struggled with some ugly drops. 

The verdict

At the top of the 2024 NFL Draft receiver class, the trio of Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers takes the cake. Behind them, however, there's a pretty open race for the next few wideouts to come off the board. Even after a Combine that didn't blow anyone away, Franklin remains squarely on that list. He could go as high as the fourth or fifth receiver off the board or drop down closer to 10th.

At the NFL level, Franklin projects as a 'Z' or slot weapon who can make the most of his athletic traits. He showcased his upside during his final season with the Ducks, putting up massive numbers and going over the 100-yard mark eight separate times (with one more game at 99 yards). If he can overcome questions about physical coverage and limitations at the catch point, he'll make a serious impact as a pro.

In recent weeks, many folks in Chiefs circles have compared Franklin to the recently departed Marquez Valdes-Scantling. If Kansas City adds Franklin into the fold, they could get a younger and much cheaper version of that role within the offense while maintaining the same downfield profile in the process. Franklin, though, has a higher ceiling and would be an intriguing target for Patrick Mahomes. If he's still on the board at pick No. 32, the team may be tempted to strike on picking him. Franklin ranks seventh on my personal receiver big board.