2024 NFL Draft: Troy Franklin, Malik Nabers highlight biggest risers
By Hunter Haas
The 2024 NFL Draft is still many sleeps away, but it is never too early to start taking note of the prospects that will be available. The likes of Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. are fixtures in the conversation, and they have been since their high school days. But what about the more surprising players who have boosted their stock during the college football season?
In today’s article, we pinpoint the five biggest risers in the 2024 NFL Draft. I will gauge the “rise” by weighing where a prospect ranked on my Summer Big Board vs. where they currently rank. Without further ado, a superstar pass catcher from Oregon is flexing first-round potential.
2024 NFL Draft Riser — No. 1: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Arguably the biggest riser to this point of the regular season is Oregon’s Troy Franklin. He entered the year with a mid-to-late Day 2 grade on my Big Board but has since elevated to a strong, early Day 2 grade. With exceptional testing in the pre-draft process, Franklin could even find himself taken in Round 1 next April.
The primary concern with Franklin’s profile is his slender frame. Because he is so lanky, there is a chance the youngster can add bulk within an NFL strength and conditioning program. But until that comes to fruition, the standout wide receiver will struggle in the strength department.
Still, Franklin stands 6-foot-3 and is uber-competitive at the catch point. He boasts elite speed, probably sitting somewhere in the 4.3 range. The Oregon wideout is a threat to take any catch to the house, thanks to his trademark agility and elite change of direction.
Franklin comes out of his breaks clean and rarely has any wasted steps while running routes. His lack of size could push him into the slot as a rookie in the NFL, but assuming he can add some weight, there is untapped potential brimming from the ascending pass catcher.