Troy Franklin was not invited to the Sweet 16.
In one of the biggest surprises of the first two days of the NFL Draft, Franklin is still available for Saturday’s fourth round despite 16 receivers being taken off the board so far.
Franklin had 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns at Oregon last season, making it a bit of a mystery why he remains available.
But he’s not the only high-value player remaining when the draft resumes with the Panthers’ No. 101 overall pick.
Here are the Post’s top 10 available players, including their initial ranking in the Post’s preliminary Top 100 Big Board in parentheses:
1. WR Troy Franklin, Oregon, 6-2, 176 (35)
Catch-and-run type weapon, especially on the obliques, which rotates the jets with the ball in the hands. Will draw safety aid away from other receivers.
Totaled eight 40-yard catches and 14 touchdowns last season.
Some concentration and questionable drops that fail to secure the catch.
2. CB TJ Tampa, Iowa State, 6-1, 189 (54)
Tampa is from St. Petersburg, Florida. He blocks receivers at the line of scrimmage and uses long arms to get snaps, but deep speed is a concern. Take risks by jumping routes.
“Gamer” who rarely leaves the field.
3. RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, 5-10, 210 (57)
Home run hitter who can start and stop on a dime. Gained 10 or more yards on 25.4 percent of carries last season, according to NFL.com.
Breaks second level tackles (average 4.35 yards after contact). Like many rookies, he might struggle in pass protection.
4. S Jaden Hicks, Washington State, 6-2, 211 (58)
Striking power in the box, but can he keep pace down the field with NFL-caliber speed? Is he more of a small linebacker? On the quarterback in an instant during a blitz off the edge.
Aggression can be used against him.
5. CB DJ James, Auburn, 6-0, 175 (67)
Added a preliminary carb loading diet to allay concerns about the rails thin frame. Favorite among scouts who swear by duct tape.
Comfortable in man-to-man or zone coverage but little experience inside, where his size could force him to do so. Promising ball disruption.
6. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas, 6-4, 245 (69)
Plays like a big receiver who can get separation in big strides. If he doesn’t, he picks off defenders for contested catches.
Conclusion: four career abandonments. Not ready to take on all the blocking responsibilities. Basic special team member.
7. WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina, 6-1, 193 (75)
Part of four different programs. The openness about “mental health” issues has led to a high-profile fight against the NCAA’s rigidity over 2023 eligibility.
Long stride threat with 18 touchdowns in recent games (at UNC and Kent State). Affected by bump-and-run coverage.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft
8. LB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Clemson, 6-0, 228 (80)
No introduction needed after his father’s Pro Bowl career with the Eagles. Instinctive and powerful player who is always first on the scene.
Creates disruption in the form of a blitzer. Still under control but concerned about his size and coverage ability.
9. CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri, 5-11, 179 (81)
Led the SEC in passes defended (16), including four interceptions, last season. Scouts use the word “fluid” for its easy movements.
Comes in handy in tight spaces. Return of special teams and coverage experience. Competitiveness shows up in star showdowns.
10. TE Jared Wiley, TCU, 6-6, 249 (82)
Scored eight touchdowns on 47 catches last season. Good for finding weak spots under the cover.
Needs to show better instincts after breaking his route if playing with a scrappy quarterback. Tools to be a good blocker.
New York Post
