The Denver Broncos are still sorting out who will man the second wide receiver role opposite Courtland Sutton in the offense this coming season. Sutton and quarterback Bo Nix have a strong rapport, but Broncos second-year WR Troy Franklin Jr. also has chemistry with the QB.
That chemistry is showing up big time in Broncos training camp.
Franklin has garnered attention from multiple outlets. That comes amid a glowing review from offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi on several fronts, such as his physicality and versatility.
“Guys mature as they get more experience. He’s certainly playing faster and making more plays. So, we’re real excited about him. He’s really stood out. He said he put on some weight, so that’s a good combination,” Lombardi told reporters on August 5. “He’s a guy that you wouldn’t know it looking at him, but he’s a physical blocker. Gives a lot of effort in that phase of the game. That’s huge. And then, combine that with how he’s running routes and catching the football, it’s been a really good camp for him.
“As a rookie, you really want to nail down on one position. And now, that he’s got that. He’s working into the slot a little bit, and that gives him some more flexibility of what we can do with him. And he’s really been doing a great job with all of that.”
Mile High Sports said on X that Franklin’s “stock is rising.”
DNVR Broncos called Franklin the “breakout star” of camp so far, raising eyebrows after his strong practice on August 5.
“Troy Franklin arguably had his best day of camp today… and he’s had a fantastic camp,” DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens posted on X on August 5. “Multiple touchdowns throughout the day (including 7on7) and made the play of the day as he dove to catch a 25-yard pass from Bo Nix during the final move-the-ball period.
“Really impressive day.”
Franklin was fourth among the Broncos’ wide receivers in snap share last season, per Pro Football Reference.
He finished behind Sutton, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who signed with the New York Giants in free agency, and fellow 2024 draftee Devaughn Vele, the No. 235 overall pick of the class. It appears as though Franklin is ready to push for a larger role in the Broncos’ offense in 2025.
Broncos Set to Benefit From Bo Nix-Troy Franklin Connection
GettyTroy Franklin #16 and Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrate against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
The Broncos selected Franklin with the No. 102 overall pick of the 2024 draft, 90 slots after they took Nix, his QB in college at Oregon during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Franklin caught 28 passes for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns as a rookie for the Broncos.
According to The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, the Broncos traded up to select Franklin after seeking input from Nix as the wideout slid in the draft.
Despite modest production, they had the first rookie-to-rookie TD in NFL playoff history.
“The Nix-Franklin combination is starting to conjure up memories of how well the two worked together at Oregon,” Tomasson wrote on August 6. “Franklin is battling Vele and [Marvin] Mims to be Denver’s No. 2 receiver behind Courtland Sutton.”
Vele missed much of the Broncos’ offseason program with an injury, but he had a 41-475-3 line in 2024. Mims is an All-Pro and Pro Bowl returner, whose offensive role was as a gadget player.
Unfortunately for Franklin, another young Broncos playmaker is also making waves.
Rookie Pat Bryant Challenging Troy Franklin for Role
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the Kansas Jayhawks.
Franklin’s surge would stand out even more were it not for Broncos rookie third-round pick Pat Bryant also garnering attention. The No. 74 overall pick in the 2025 class, Bryant has lived up to pre-draft hype.
Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason noted that both Bryant and Franklin are “stacking days.”
Bryant and Franklin’s battle could be the one to watch for head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos.
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