Denver Broncos Project Troy Franklin as Third Wide Receiver Following Jaylen Waddle Acquisition
With the blockbuster arrival of Jaylen Waddle displacing Courtland Sutton to the second spot, internal candidate Troy Franklin is cited as the superior choice over Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims due to his production and chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix.
The Denver Broncos have solidified their wide receiver hierarchy for the 2026 season, with analyst Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report projecting Troy Franklin as the third option behind the newly acquired Jaylen Waddle and incumbent Courtland Sutton. This projection follows the blockbuster trade that brought Waddle to Denver, instantly shifting the depth chart order and establishing a clear pecking order for the offence.
Davenport's analysis highlights Franklin as the most logical selection for the WR3 role, surpassing other internal candidates such as Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims. The analyst notes that while Bryant possesses overlapping traits with Sutton and Mims is viewed primarily as a gadget receiver and return specialist, Franklin offers the specific skill set required to complement the existing receivers in the rotation.
The primary justification for Franklin's elevation rests on his statistical output during the 2025 season. During that campaign, he recorded 104 targets, 65 receptions, 709 yards, and six touchdowns. These figures represent a significant volume of usage, making him the second-most targeted receiver in Denver behind Sutton, who posted 74 receptions for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns.
Beyond raw statistics, the projection emphasises the existing collegiate chemistry between Franklin and quarterback Bo Nix. Both players attended the University of Oregon, a shared background that Davenport suggests provides a natural connection within the offensive system. This rapport is viewed as a critical factor in optimising the unit's performance, particularly given the team's recent history of narrowly missing the Super Bowl due to injury concerns surrounding Nix.
While the Broncos have reportedly expressed interest in signing free agent Bobby Wagner and are considering a major position switch for a third-year player, the wide receiver room appears stable under this projected configuration. The acquisition of Waddle addresses the need for a top-tier number one option, with Sutton maintaining his veteran leadership role at number two, leaving Franklin to anchor the third tier of the receiving corps.
This structural arrangement aims to maximise the offensive potential for the 2026 campaign. By selecting Franklin over the other viable options, the organisation is prioritising a player who combines high target volume with proven compatibility with the quarterback, ensuring the offence remains competitive despite the narrow margin of error established in the previous season.
