BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Troy Franklin out of Oregon is a wide receiver who the Bills have a little extra intel on.
He was recruited by Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady a few years ago out of high school when Brady was on the LSU coaching staff. The two reconnected at the scouting combine for a formal meeting.
“I think it was more breaking down our film, things like that. They wanted to know what I was thinking on plays. picking my brain, it was cool,” Franklin said.
Franklin’s stats from last season are eye-popping. He hauled in 81 receptions for just under 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. Setting himself up to possibly become the first Oregon receiver to go in the first round of the draft since Ahmad Rashad over 50 years ago.
That’s really why I came to Oregon. I wanted to change how people viewed the passing game there. That would be a great feeling, for sure,” Franklin said.
Franklin has very good speed and height to excel as a deep threat at the next level and those are just two qualities that make him one of the top receivers in this draft class.
“I think I just know football as a whole. I know coverages, how DBs are going to play technique-wise. I also think I have a pretty good release game,” Franklin said. “I think I can play inside, outside. I’m a willing guy. I’ll go in there and block. I’ll do anything for the team, special teams, whatever there is. My smarts, my talent, just separates me for sure.”
Franklin is projected to be a first round draft pick.
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Josh Reed is an award-winning journalist who has served as News 4’s Sports Director since 2015. See more here.