Troy Franklin — 2026 Fantasy Outlook

Franklin was one of the most productive receivers in the Pac-12 during his three seasons at Oregon, catching 160 passes for 2,483 yards and 25 touchdowns. His best work came alongside Bo Nix — 61 catches for 891 yards and nine touchdowns in their first season together, followed by 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 scores the next. His yards per catch climbed every year (11.6, 14.6, and 17.1), and in 2023, he topped 100 yards in eight games, with multiple touchdown performances becoming routine.

Denver selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At 6'2" with a 4.4 forty, the physical tools are easy to get excited about, though he came into the league at 175 pounds, and filling out his frame will be a key developmental milestone. When he's at his best, Franklin releases off the line with purpose, has the feel to set up defenders in open space, and wins at all three levels. His hands grade out well, and physical corners can slow his release but rarely neutralize him entirely. His ceiling here is legitimate once the body catches up to the talent.

His rookie season lacked punch. Franklin had two catches or fewer in 16 of his 17 games, with his best outing coming in Week 7 (5/50). His catch rate (52.8%) and yards per reception (9.4) were both underwhelming, and the deep connection he had with Nix in college never materialized in Denver. It was a developmental year more than anything, and the tools are still there, but he has work to do before living up to his collegiate billing.

In his sophomore season, Franklin secured WR2 snaps (53.8%), leading to him more than doubling his rookie production (65/721/6 on 104 targets). His catch rate (62.5%) was much improved, but he did most of his work close to the line of scrimmage (10.9 yards per catch).

Franklin ended the year ranked 31st among wide receivers in PPR fantasy points (178.50). He flashed explosive upside in three games (8/100/1, 6/89/2, and 6/88/1) but scored over 10.00 fantasy points in only four other matchups (3/19/1, 5/40/1, 4/84, and 4/66). Denver gave him double-digit targets in two contests.

Regression should be expected in his outlook this year due to Jaylen Waddle being added to the wide receiver rotation. His direction puts him on a path to replace Courtland Sutton in this offense down the road, and Franklin could almost be treated as a handcuff to the Broncos’ two lead wideouts in 2026.

His ADP (223) in the NFFC in mid-June suggests the high-stakes fantasy market is writing him off as a viable fantasy option; 70 other wide receivers get drafted before him. The Broncos could easily shift targets from the tight end position (113 in 2025) to Franklin this year. My starting point is 50 catches for 600 yards with at least five scores.