For a couple of months now, Troy Franklin has looked like the odd man out in Denver’s receiver room. The Broncos spent the offseason reshaping that group, then watched Pat Bryant surge in camp and Marvin Mims Jr. flash before getting hurt on Day 7. By the time the dust settled, Franklin - who put up 709 yards and six touchdowns last season as Denver’s No. 2 receiver behind Courtland Sutton - seemed to have slipped all the way down the pecking order.
That’s why Sean Payton’s comments on Wednesday matter.
“He’s been doing really well," Payton said of Franklin on Wednesday. "Each day you see his speed and his confidence just in the system for those younger players that now can play faster because they know the terminology."
Payton doubled down on that sentiment when he talked about the shape of the receiver group.
"Yes, we’ve got some depth there and a lot of different types of players at that position. We’ve got the bigger receiver and we’ve got the guys that can run. So I’m pleased with how he’s playing,” Payton said of Franklin.
Those words don’t erase the reality of camp. Bryant looked like the clear No. 3 option behind Sutton and Jaylen Waddle.
Mims, before the injury, also appeared to be getting more attention in Davis Webb’s offense than he usually has in past seasons. Franklin, by comparison, was easy to overlook after a summer in which he saw limited targets and little preseason production, even with Sutton and Waddle barely on the field.
Payton did single out Bryant as one of three possible breakout players for the Broncos this season after Tuesday’s practice, and Franklin was not on that list. That said, being left off a breakout mention is not the same thing as being buried for good.
The real question now is how Denver handles gameday roster spots. The Broncos kept six wideouts out of camp, with Lil'Jordan Humphrey making the initial roster, and the numbers could get awkward depending on how many receivers are active each week.
Humphrey brings experience in Payton’s system, strong perimeter blocking, and special teams value. Franklin, on the other hand, doesn’t bring that third-phase help.
That makes the fifth or sixth receiver conversation a tricky one. If Denver dresses only five wideouts, Franklin feels like the most likely fifth man based on recent history. But this year’s roster construction has already been unusual enough that nothing feels locked in.
Mims should be in uniform every week if he’s healthy, regardless of where he sits on the depth chart. He’s a two-time All-Pro returner on the final year of his contract, and Denver will want his field-flipping ability and scoring threat on the field.
Franklin still has something working in his favor that the others can’t match: his chemistry with Bo Nix. The two played together at Oregon, and that connection gives Franklin a real path to playing time if Nix has any say in it.
For now, Payton’s public praise suggests Franklin still has a place in the offense. Whether that shows up on Sundays will depend on how Denver sorts out its receiver rotation and special teams priorities.
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Still, the list of concerns has been long enough to make Denver pay attention. Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Mansoor Delane, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Kenneth Walker III have all dealt with injuries at different points, leaving the Chiefs with more uncertainty than usual heading into the opener. For a Broncos team trying to make an early statement in the division, that kind of opening can matter, even if Kansas City still has time to get right before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Settle Backup QB Battle With A Notable Roster Decision
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For a team trying to stabilize its quarterback room behind a rookie starter, keeping three passers on the active roster is not a small decision. It leaves Denver with experience, insurance and some flexibility if the early part of the season brings more questions than answers, even if the pecking order is now set for the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Backfield Battle Suddenly Feels Bigger Than Fans Expected
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J.K. Dobbins is still projected to open the year as the starter after re-signing with the team, but his injury history keeps the backfield picture from feeling settled. Denver reportedly likes Colemans pass protection and efficiency enough to view him as a real contender for the primary backup job, with the possibility that he could move ahead of RJ Harvey on the depth chart if the Broncos need a reliable option in a larger role. [Read more 🡒]