New England Patriots Top 30 Visit: Oregon WR Troy Franklin

Every NFL franchise is allowed to invite up to 30 draft prospects to visit their facilities and meet with the members of the organization before the NFL Draft. These selections range from first-round targets to players who might be available as undrafted free agents. As news about the New England Patriots Top 30 visits surface, Patriots Football Now will highlight each of the visitors. Today’s feature is Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin.

College Career

Troy Franklin was a four-star recruit coming out of Menlo-Atherton High School in Menlo Park, Cal. according to 247 Sports composite ranks. He ranked as the No. 41 player in the country, No. 3 wide receiver, and No. 2 player coming out of California in the Class of 2021.

Franklin committed to Oregon. He did not opt for a redshirt season, appearing in all 14 games as a true freshman. He put up modest numbers in limited time, finishing his first season with 18 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

His sophomore season saw Franklin enjoy a significant bump in production. He caught 61 passes for 891 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming a favorite target of quarterback Bo Nix. He was named second-team All-Pac-12 for his performance.

The Ducks put Franklin’s talents on full display in 2023. He caught 81 passes for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games. Franklin became a first-team All-Big-12 selection and was named second-team All-American.

Pro Football Focus graded Franklin more favorably each season. He earned a 63.5 as a freshman, before moving up to a 75.0 in 2022 and 84.9 last season. It was the sixth-highest grade of any wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft.

NFL Draft

Troy Franklin is still a very young prospect. He does not turn 22 until Feb. 6, 2025. His continued growth and improvement are cause for excitement.

Franklin performed at the NFL Scouting Combine. He measured 6-foot-2 and weighed 176 pounds. His weight and thin frame are a concern for some. He bulked up to 183 for Oregon’s Pro Day. The Ducks star ran a 4.41 40-yard dash.

The New England Patriots continue to look for a number one receiver, and those in power with the organization have been preaching a “draft and develop” approach. Franklin has an opportunity to fit this role in New England. He is young but has already been highly productive against major competition in college. The two areas in which Franklin needs to improve are his weight/strength and his drops. He had nine in 2023, most appearing due to a lack of concentration as opposed to not having good hands. If he’s willing to be a hard worker, both on the field and in the weight room, he can be a very productive NFL receiver.

Troy Franklin has good height, good speed, and tremendous potential. While he’s not ranked in the top five receivers of the 2024 class, he has a good argument to be at the top of the next wave. This should see him selected either late in Round 1 or in the top half of Round 2. The Patriots selecting at No. 34 could be a perfect landing spot.