It's no surprise Franklin's talent went under the recruiting radar, as his Greenville, Texas high school team went winless for four years (0-40). He was a two-time All-District pick, however, and received interest from SFA to earn a scholarship. Franklin played in eight games as a reserve in 2014 (11 tackles, one for loss) and then took over a starring role on defense. He was a second-team All-Southland Conference pick in 2015, starting four of 11 games, posting 32 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and six sacks (three coming against
Southeastern Louisiana). Franklin was first-team all-conference in 2016, leading the Lumberjacks with 14.5 tackles for loss (32 total stops) and eight sacks and also ranking eighth in the FCS with four forced fumbles. He completed his career as a second-team all-conference selection in 2017, starting 10 of 11 games and again leading his squad with 13.5 tackles for loss (55 total) and 3.5 sacks.
Overview
Franklin-Myers carried 297 pounds on his frame this spring but played at 280 at the NFLPA game in January. His sweet spot might be around 290 pounds, which would position him more favorably as a 3-4 defensive end with some rush potential. Franklin-Myers flashes power at the point of attack and the ability to get a quick win when he's working around the edges. He's a solid developmental prospect with intriguing upside if the technique improves.
Strengths
- NFL-worthy build with good size and a broad, tapered chest
- Wingspan measured over 82 inches at the NFLPA game
- Tape is full of him bludgeoning blockers across from him
- Explosive upper body power
- Carries bang behind his pads and is able to knock opponents off-balance when his leverage is right
- Decent lateral quickness to flatten out runners to the perimeter
- Shows athletic ability to work edge-to-edge as rusher
- Gets good mileage from his arm-over move and works his hands and feet in unison
- Possesses balance to recover
Weaknesses
- Not a clean position fit at either defensive end
- Tight-hipped and short stepper
- Lacks bend as a rusher
- Will need to improve feel for double teams
- Hands lack accuracy and will slide off the mark
- Needs to learn to stack and control rather than just punch his opponents
- Slow to get revved up when forced to change directions
- Rarely faced off against quality looks from guards and tackles
Sources Tell Us
"I thought he flashed at the NFLPA game. He may have something to him. He has some talent but we'll see how he handles the Combine." — NFC Director of Scouting
Lance Zierlein (NFL.COM)