The Denver Broncos drafted receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, after drafting quarterback Bo Nix in the first round. The Oregon duo lit it up in Eugene in their final two years, and now have the chance to connect once again in Denver.
Although Nix led the Broncos' to their first playoff appearance since 2015 in his rookie year, Franklin didn't have quite as successful of a season. The Ducks' star had 28 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
But, throughout training camp this offseason, Franklin has impressed coaches and the media. The Ducks' duo could be in store for a breakout year in 2025.
"It’s happening, and I’m excited," Broncos' head coach Sean Payton said of Franklin's breakout (h/t Ducks Wire). "He’s had a really good camp. He’s confident. I’ve said this a bunch of times, it has to happen on the field, and you guys that have covered this team or any other team, you see it in the preseason every year. Some players begin to make some plays, and it carries over. So that’s why these games are important.
Two quarters. Two Troy Franklin TDs 😤
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"Obviously, it’s challenging when you’re not going to play your starting group, but when you see growth like that, and every year we don’t know who those players are going to be, but he played well tonight.”
After catching three of his four targets for 18 yards in the Broncos' preseason opener last week against the San Francisco 49ers, Franklin broke out on Saturday night. The Broncos' second-year receiver caught four passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns in Denver's second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The former Duck has made strides throughout the offseason, but he put it all together on Saturday night, and is putting himself in a position to earn increased playing time this year.