During the 2024 preseason, Denver Broncos second-year wide receiver Troy Franklin has notably impressed coaches and fans alike, creating significant momentum toward securing a spot in the Broncos starting lineup. After showing promise in training camp, Franklin’s continued production in the preseason has positioned him as a strong candidate to assume a more prominent role on Denver’s offense.
While Courtland Sutton remains the clear No. 1 wide receiver, the competition for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the Broncos’ first-team offense has been wide open. Following the team’s second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, where starters including Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Devaughn Vele were rested, Franklin demonstrated his readiness to join the starting group with an explosive performance that has sparked debate about his place on the field.
Franklin’s Case for a Starting Role
Franklin’s impact against the Cardinals was undeniable. He caught four of five passes for 67 yards and scored two touchdowns, with his second touchdown highlighting his improved ball-tracking ability, body control, and instinctive awareness. These skills have become noticeably sharper, making him a more dynamic threat than many expected at this stage in his career.
While the initial depth chart before preseason Game 1 was marked unofficial and listed Marvin Mims Jr. as the No. 2 receiver, the decisions made during the second game offer new insight. It appears that Franklin’s preeminence over Devaughn Vele is becoming clear, opening the possibility that Franklin will replace Vele in the starting lineup, a move supported by his summer advancements.
Comparing Franklin and Vele’s Contributions and Playing Styles
Despite Vele’s promising rookie season and his advantages as a 6-foot-5 possession receiver, Franklin has demonstrated greater explosiveness and route-running ability during the offseason and preseason. Although Vele offers solid size and a reliable catching presence, Franklin adds a combination of speed, agility, and refined technique that has allowed him to create separation and pose a bigger challenge for defenders.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton values receivers with size, but the ability to blend physicality with quickness is a rare asset in the position group. At 6-foot-3, Franklin is slightly shorter than Vele but possesses a confidence and comfort within the offensive scheme that have grown since his rookie year.
“I think I’m just more comfortable, got a little bit more freedom to go out there and just play,”
Franklin said after preseason Game 2.
“And also just knowing the offense as a whole.”
—Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver
Vele’s reliability was a bright spot last season, especially as a seventh-round pick who contributed important first-down catches for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. However, he remains primarily a possession receiver without the breakaway speed and bigger playmaking upside Franklin has started to show.
The Offensive Arsenal Grows with Franklin’s Addition
The Broncos already rely heavily on Sutton’s ability to win contested catches and stretch the field vertically with his athleticism and physical presence. Adding Franklin to this group in place of Vele could further diversify their receiving attack. With Marvin Mims Jr.’s quickness to attack seams and deep zones and new tight end Evan Engram’s proven receiving skills, Denver’s offense could threaten defenses at every level on every snap.
How Franklin Has Pulled Ahead of Vele
Although Vele outperformed Franklin statistically during their rookie seasons, the younger Franklin’s rapid development after his second offseason has created distinct separation. Despite the five-year age difference, Franklin’s chemistry with Bo Nix, stemming from their three years together at the University of Oregon, provides an additional advantage in timing and on-field connection. Furthermore, Franklin’s clean injury record positions him as a dependable option for a high-volume role.
The Broncos might opt to rotate both receivers frequently in their personnel packages, keeping Vele involved. Still, it is increasingly likely that Franklin will earn the majority of first-team snaps and opportunities with the starting offense.
Looking Ahead: What Franklin’s Rise Means for the Broncos
As the Broncos prepare to finalize their roster with one preseason game remaining, the evidence points toward Troy Franklin not only earning a spot in Denver’s starting lineup but potentially supplanting Devaughn Vele as a more impactful weapon on offense. Franklin’s year-two growth could be a key factor as the Broncos seek to improve their passing game and take a significant step forward this season.