Pro Football Focus selects WR Troy Franklin to the Buffalo Bills in latest mock draft

It's that time of the year when every sports media outlet gives their 2024 mock draft. We're no different here at BuffaLowDown with our latest AI mock draft but I wanted to touch on the latest Pro Football Focus draft though. The reason is simple, I love the selection. Don't get me wrong, there are other potential selections for the Buffalo Bills, but the selection of Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin is a good one.

One of the assets the Bills need on their offense is a deep threat, someone who can stretch defenses, help open up the passing game underneath, and take some pressure off of Stefon Diggs. I think Franklin can be that guy. In 2023, Franklin was targeted 40 times on passes that traveled more than 20 yards in the air. On those targets, Franklin had a catch rate of 58 percent and had an incredible 22.9 average yards per target. Just what the Bills and Josh Allen need to take their offense to another level.

Word on the streets is that Franklin runs a 4.35 second, 40-yard time but we'll get the official numbers soon, when the NFL Scouting Combine starts on February 26th. Based on the numbers on the field, I think it's safe to say that Franklin is fast, plain, and simple. Oh, and he's 6'3" and along with Justin Shorter would be one of the two tallest receivers on the roster. There are a handful of affordable free agent wide receivers as well that can add more speed to this offense. You can never have too much speed on the field.

NFLDraftBuzz.com has Franklin ranked as the fifth-best wide receiver in this draft class. There has been a lot of chatter about how good this year's crop of wide receivers is and Franklin is at the top of the class. If the Bills could land him in the first round, it would be a solid pick and I think they could double down in the later rounds and select another wide receiver. I'd also like to see the Bills dip into free agency and bring in one or two more receivers.

In 2023, Franklin's final collegiate season, he had 81 receptions, 1,383 yards, and an outstanding 14 touchdowns. His average yards per reception were an amazing 17.1 yards, further proving his big-play capability. By the way, he's only 21 and could step into the number one role in Buffalo once Stefon Diggs decides it's time to retire with the Buffalo Bills.