Colts Eyeing Oregon’s Franklin

by Tony Donohue

Many teams in the draft, including the Indianapolis Colts, are looking to boost their wide receiver core in the upcoming NFL Draft. With Anthony Richardson on a rookie contract for another two years, Josh Downs emerging as the number two option and Michael Pittman back under the franchise tag, the Indianapolis Colts are in position to bring in yet another weapon to compete for that 3rd wide receiver spot with Alex Pierce and Ashton Dulin. Troy Franklin from Oregon could be that guy.

"Finding consistency in the 4th and 5th option is what we are looking for," Chris Ballard told reporters several weeks ago at the combine on the wide receiving core for the Colts. "Your #4 has to be able to play multiple spots and play special teams.” Ballard went on to say this about this year’s crop of draftable receivers—"A very talented deep group, which is good." 

Franklin ran a 4.41 40-yard dash in the combine but really dazzled the crowd with his long strides and quick burst off of the football. His speed was on full display, running an upward of 21 mph in a drill last month at Lucas Oil Stadium. The explosiveness and big play ability hasn’t gone unnoticed but add this to the conversation. Franklin is 6’2” and has a 39-inch vertical leap. Speed, size, leaping ability. The trifecta for any receiver. 

Franklin was a 2nd team all AP player last season. He was third in the country with 14 touchdowns and set a school record with 25 receiving touchdowns in his career. 

“Getting reps, practice and after practice, making sure I am always perfecting my craft, that makes me who I am," Franklin said about working on his pro ability. 

Franklin is projected to go anywhere from the 28th pick in the first round down to a late 2nd round pick depending on what mock drafts you believe. This could be a perfect opportunity for the Colts to trade out of the 15th pick but retain a late first round pick and a pick in the second round to select Franklin. Franklin would then be in play for the team while also having other picks to fill the need of defensive edge, cornerback, or tight end.