3 Non-First Round Receivers the Bears Could Add in the Draft

2. Troy Franklin

Franklin is a receiver that can flat out ball and most of the country saw that on full display last season. As Bo Nix’s favorite target, Franklin had 1,383 receiving yards on 81 catches and found paydirt 14 times, averaging 17.6 yards per grab in his final season in Eugene.

He steadily increased his production in his three years as a Duck, beginning by posting 18 receptions, 209 yards, and two scores while averaging 11.6 yards per catch as a freshman. From there, he elevated his game big time when gathering a larger role as a sophomore.

Franklin’s breakout season saw him put up 891 yards for nine touchdowns while catching 61 balls. His 14.6 yards per reception in 2022 was the second-best mark in his collegiate career. 

The junior’s breakaway speed for someone of his size and stature has stood out to scouts in the pre-draft process. Unlike Walker, Franklin’s diverse route tree will help him out as a fringe Day One selection. His inconsistency when it comes to winning jump balls and his blocking struggles are a couple of things that might hold him back from being that late first-round pick. 

Franklin is a guy that the Bears would have to select in the second round, should they net a selection in a trade down from nine. Even then, Franklin could be gone before the middle of the second round comes around. The lanky receiver is probably the more unrealistic option on this list.

Just because the Bears staying or moving down from nine is still up in the air, all prospects outside of the main pass catchers in this class are in play here.