Former Oregon Duck 2nd-year receiver turning heads at Broncos’ camp and could be in store for a breakout campaign
Former Oregon Duck receiver is having a strong camp and could be in for a breakout sophomore campaign.
The Denver Broncos have been a popular playoff pick among NFL analysts, and a big reason for that is their second-year quarterback out of Oregon, Bo Nix. Nix had a sensational rookie season, which saw him set Broncos statistical records and lead the team to a playoff berth in just his first season. Expectations are sky high for Nix as he enters his second season, and by all accounts, he’s delivered so far through the first few weeks of training camp. However, Nix isn’t the only former Oregon Duck making waves throughout Broncos camp.
Former Oregon receiver and 2024 fourth-round pick Troy Franklin has had an extremely strong camp as he looks to make a second-year leap.
Arc DiLalla of the Broncos team website reported, “The second-year receiver caught an impressive touchdown from Bo Nix in the back corner of the end zone in 7-on-7 action, and he later added multiple catches in a move-the-ball drill. The final catch of the morning’s session appeared to be a diving grab of more than 20 yards to push Denver’s starting offense down the field.”
Franklin is coming off an inconsistent rookie season that saw him make plenty of big plays but also leave quite a few left on the field. He finished his rookie season with 28 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns, displaying the impressive vertical speed ability he so often deployed throughout his career with the Oregon Ducks. Franklin struggled with drops throughout his rookie season and appeared to be too much in his head rather than playing free.
“Guys mature as they get more experience,” Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “He’s certainly playing faster and making more plays. We’re real excited about him. He’s really stood out.”
“It’s been a really good camp for him,” Lombardi said.
Franklin turning the corner would be huge for a Broncos’ offense that lacked explosive plays last season. With Courtland Sutton returning to the team as their leading receiver, and Devaughn Vele poised to earn a role, the team could use some deep speed outside, and Franklin can provide that in spades.
Given Nix’s and Franklin’s time together at Oregon, many expected them to come into the NFL and pick up where they left off. The duo was one of college football’s most productive quarterback and receiver pairs in 2022 and 2023, and they set numerous school records.
Nix and Franklin had rare chemistry, and Nix always knew where to find Franklin when the play broke down or when it was a “got to have it” situation. That chemistry was hot and cold throughout their rookie season, but now, with a year under their belts and things finally slowing down for Franklin, expect them to be much more on the same page in 2025.
