Few wide receivers had more successful seasons than Troy Franklin in 2023.
The Oregon wideout ranked among the best college football players in receiving yards and touchdowns. He was poised for an early draft selection in the 2024 NFL Draft after his standout season.
That wasn't the case, however, as Franklin slipped down draft boards and wasn't selected in the first three rounds.
It comes as a surprise, as many mock drafts projected Franklin to be a first- or second-round selection. The Sporting News makes sense of his slide and lists some potential landing spots on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
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Why is Troy Franklin falling in the 2024 NFL Draft?
As with many prospects, there isn't a specific, easily identifiable reason for Franklin's slide. It could be for various reasons either on or off the field that general managers have not shared with reporters.
That being said, a big question mark for Franklin coming into the draft was his frame. Franklin is 6-2, which is great for a wide receiver, but he is just 176 pounds.
It's expected that players such as Franklin will put on muscle as they enter the league, but it could have been a concern among NFL franchises that he's weaker than most of the other top receivers in his class.
Even with questions regarding his weight, Franklin has great speed, height, and big-play potential. It landed him as No. 37 in Sporting News Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft, but clearly, NFL teams did not agree.
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Troy Franklin landing spots
Franklin wasn't drafted on Day 2 despite multiple receivers finding NFL homes. He was projected to land early in the second round, so any team grabbing him at this point is getting a steal.
Here are a couple of the best fits for Franklin on Day 3.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons surprised the world by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency.
They used their second- and third-round picks on defensive linemen, so Franklin could give Cousins — and eventually Penix — some help on offense.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills drafted Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick, but they're still lacking wide receivers. Coleman will be the No. 1 wideout, but Franklin could form a dynamic young duo to help Josh Allen.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos drafted Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick to become their future quarterback. Bringing in Franklin, Nix's favorite target at Oregon, would certainly ease both rookies into the NFL.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints wide receiving corps could use some help behind Chris Olave. Adding Franklin would give Derek Carr a boost for 2024 season.
Troy Franklin college stats
| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving yards | Receiving TDs |
| 2021 | Oregon | 14 | 18 | 209 | 2 |
| 2022 | Oregon | 13 | 61 | 891 | 9 |
| 2023 | Oregon | 13 | 81 | 1,383 | 14 |
