The Denver Broncos are building a versatile and dynamic offense heading into the 2025 NFL season, with rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin gaining attention after impressive training camp performances. Franklin, drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Oregon, has been showcasing a growing chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix, his former college teammate.
After joining Denver alongside Nix, the Broncos’ 12th overall pick, Franklin and the team surpassed expectations by reaching the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. While Nix quickly established himself as the offensive leader last season, Franklin took more time to find his footing but showed promise with 28 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie campaign.
Notable Progress Shown During Training Camp
In his second offseason with the Broncos, Franklin has been turning heads with consistent big plays. In the latest practice, he delivered multiple touchdown receptions, including a spectacular diving 25-yard catch described by DNVR Sports reporter Zac Stevens as the best play of the day. This display of speed and skill underscores his rapid development.
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi highlighted Franklin’s evolution, saying,
“Guys mature as they get more experience, and he’s certainly playing faster and making more plays.”
He added,
“We’re real excited about him. He’s really stood out.”
Deep Roots with Bo Nix Fueling On-Field Success
Franklin’s progress is greatly supported by his established relationship with Bo Nix, with whom he shared two dominant years at Oregon. During their time as Ducks, Nix threw for over 8,000 yards and 74 touchdowns, while Franklin amassed 2,274 receiving yards and caught 23 touchdowns. In their senior season alone, Franklin accounted for 1,383 of Nix’s yards and secured 14 of his 45 touchdown passes.
Franklin led the Pac-12 in receiving touchdowns in 2023, while Nix topped the conference in quarterback rating and yards per attempt. Nix also led the nation in completion percentage and touchdowns, making their partnership a formidable force both in college and now on the NFL stage.
Competing in a Stacked Receiving Corps
With the Broncos investing heavily in Bo Nix as their quarterback of the future—drafting him in the first round and then doubling down with Franklin in the fourth round—the receiving room is crowded but competitive. Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton, recovering from a second 1,000-yard season, anchors the unit along with recent offseason acquisition tight end Evan Engram.
Franklin competes alongside speedy players like Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, and rookie Pat Bryant, all vying to be the primary options behind Sutton. Head coach Sean Payton has taken note of Franklin’s unique speed, praising his camp pace and breakaway ability.
“He’s having a good camp… Man, his speed,”
Payton remarked,
“You see his speed and run away.”
Confidence and Refinement Mark Franklin’s Growth
Heading into Denver’s first preseason game, Franklin’s impressive camp start is bolstered by physical and technical improvements. He has added weight over the offseason and refined his route running for better precision, leading to increased confidence. Reflecting on his progress, Franklin told KUSA-TV Denver,
“I think it’s a 10 right now. Maybe 9 ½, 10, somewhere around there but it’s definitely way higher than last year for sure.”
Implications for Broncos’ Future Offense
Franklin’s development alongside Bo Nix presents an exciting prospect for the Broncos’ offensive future. Their college connection and complementary skill sets give Denver a promising one-two punch at quarterback and receiver, which could accelerate the team’s rise in a competitive <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC West division. With the playoffs now within reach in 2025, Franklin’s continued growth and chemistry with Nix will be key factors for Denver’s success.