Former Oregon Ducks’ star Troy Franklin excited with Bo Nix in Denver makes the receiver’s job …..
Troy Franklin isn’t thinking about why he slipped to the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He’s just happy to be selected and thrilled to be joining Bo Nix with the Denver Broncos.
Franklin and Nix were productive during their 2023 season with the Oregon Ducks. Franklin caught 81 passes for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games during the 2023 season. The 6-foot-2, 176-pound Franklin set an all-time, single-season Ducks’ record for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Franklin’s 81 receptions in a single season were also the second most in school history.
Franklin indicated there’s no way he produces those numbers without Nix throwing the passes.
“They are very catchable,” Franklin told reporters. “He makes the receiver’s job easier. That is my guy right there.”
Having played together for two seasons at Oregon, Franklin said he and Nix already have chemistry. and the two should be able to hit the ground running as they prepare for the Broncos’ offseason training program including rookie mini camp.
“We’re passing the ball, just running routes on there. Making sure our connection was right,” Franklin told reporters. “Just trying to hone in, making sure that we’re on the same page and getting things done.”
The Broncos traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns and Franklin’s speed will be an asset for the Denver offense. He posted a time of 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash, among the top-10 fastest times for wide receivers at the 2024 scouting combine.
“I know I just need an opportunity to get to the NFL and to show them what I am capable of doing,” Franklin said. “For me, that is all it takes. I just need the opportunity the Broncos gave me and now it is time for that.”
Franklin will be catching passes from his Oregon quarterback, which should make his transition easier. Denver coach Sean Payton, whose team traded up to the top of the fourth round (No. 102) to select Franklin, is hoping the magic Franklin and Nix had in college will continue in the NFL.
Newly-drafted Broncos guard shares decision to focus on today’s excitement.
“I met with a bunch of teams in the league and obviously the Broncos were part of that,” he shared of the process leading up to the draft, “I am incredibly thankful they gave me the opportunity to come compete in Denver.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to play for such a great franchise,” Gargiulo beamed, “Regardless of when my name was called, I am really thankful to them for the opportunity.”
Although he graduated as a South Carolina Gamecock, he played the majority of his college career as a Yale Bulldog, where he won first-team All-Ivy League honors and was named a team captain.
“I [studied] economics and political science at Yale, and I was sports management masters at South Carolina,” he explained of his degree paths.
Gargiulo knows the road ahead is going to be a long one, but it’s something he’s happy to take one step at a time. Instead of honing in on the pressure of fighting for a starting position on the offensive line, he’s going to stay in the present today and cherish this huge life milestone with his loved ones.
“The main focus right now is celebrating this moment with my family and getting ready to head out to Denver soon,” he emphasized.
Welcome, Nick Gargiulo, to Broncos Country! And welcome to ALL of our newly-drafted players. We’re so excited to see what’s in store for your careers and our team this coming year.
