The Denver Broncos went all in on Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix in the first round of the NFL Draft. Now, they’re adding his top playmaking receiver to the mix.
Denver Broncos add Bo Nix’s favorite receiver Troy Franklin in NFL Draft
Bo Nix to Troy Franklin was one of the most exciting connections to watch last season at the University of Oregon. The chemistry between the two was easy to see on film and now that duo will be connecting this upcoming season in the Mile High City.
On Day 3 of the NFL Draft, the Broncos traded up to the 102nd overall pick with the Seattle Seahawks and also received the 235th overall pick (7th round). In order to do so, the Broncos traded the 121st overall pick (4th round), their 136th overall pick (5th round), and the 207th overall pick (6th round) to move up and take Franklin.
"With the 102nd pick in the 2024 #NFLDraft, the Denver Broncos select … "
Good morning, #BroncosCountry!@TroooyyyyyyTroy x @OregonFootball pic.twitter.com/NF1a0jxoFA
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 27, 2024
In 2023, Nix and Franklin connected for 81 catches, 1383 yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns in 13 games. 2022 saw Franklin haul in 61 catches for 891 yards and nine touchdowns.
RD 4 | PK 102 – Broncos: Troy Franklin WR, Oregon
With the 102nd overall pick, the @Broncos add Bo Nix's Oregon teammate and the highest rated player remaining on the board according to the NGS overall score (84).#NFLDraft | #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/Qqbl6zofsG
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 27, 2024
Their connection was crucial to the Ducks’ success the past two years.
“[It was] just a lot of work,” Franklin said on his conference call with local media. “We have a lot of player-led stuff that goes on at Oregon. We had a lot of time where me and Bo Nix and receivers, tight ends and just the whole offensive unit would just make sure we’re walking through stuff. We’re passing the ball, just running routes on there. Making sure our connection was right. Just trying to hone in, making sure that we’re on the same page and getting things done.”
Franklin now joins a wide receiver room that features Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims, Josh Reynolds, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Jalen Virgil, and a handful of others.
However, with the addition of Franklin, the Sutton situation is something that becomes worth monitoring even more. Sutton wants a new contract after his ten-touchdown output last season and doesn’t plan on reporting until he receives one.
Could Courtland Sutton be traded during today’s NFL Draft?
Earlier last week, NFL teams inquired with the Broncos about potentially trading for Sutton, but Denver expressed no desire to offset him. Franklin’s arrival could allow the Broncos to change their mind on potentially fielding trade calls on their veteran wide receiver.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also touched on this following Denver’s trade-up to take Franklin.
From our Day 3 NFL Draft coverage: As the #Broncos remake their WR room, the focus shifts to Courtland Sutton… pic.twitter.com/JyLX4lkbR5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2024
Sutton would be a great asset for a QB like Nix to have in the mix. Will the Broncos find a way to give Sutton more guaranteed money with the two years he has left on his deal, or could he be on his way out as soon as today during the draft?
The ride continues, Broncos Country.