As the Denver Broncos prepare for the 2025 NFL season, optimism in the Mile High City is cautiously building. At the heart of that enthusiasm is a second-year wide receiver poised to become a breakout star: Troy Franklin. Head coach Sean Payton, known for his offensive ingenuity and eye for wide receiver talent, is already talking about “ascension” when it comes to Franklin — a strong indication that the former Oregon standout may be in for a monumental leap in Year 2.
From draft-day sleeper to a central figure in the Broncos’ offensive plans, Franklin’s rise could not come at a better time for a franchise searching for stability, explosiveness, and a renewed identity on offense. With veteran wideouts either regressing or moving on, the stage is set for Franklin to emerge as the go-to weapon in Denver. And Payton, a Super Bowl-winning coach who’s mentored talents like Michael Thomas and Marques Colston, doesn’t throw around words like “ascension” lightly.
Let’s explore how Troy Franklin’s development, combined with Payton’s system and Denver’s evolving roster, sets the stage for a potentially star-making campaign in 2025.
Franklin’s Rookie Campaign: Flashes of Potential
Selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Troy Franklin arrived in Denver with less fanfare than some of his wide receiver classmates. Yet, it didn’t take long for him to turn heads.
Despite being buried on the depth chart behind Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Marvin Mims Jr., Franklin managed to carve out a role as the season progressed. He finished his rookie campaign with 29 receptions for 403 yards and 2 touchdowns — modest numbers, yes, but what stood out were the moments of brilliance. A 52-yard deep bomb against the Raiders. A toe-tap sideline grab in the snow versus the Patriots. A fearless third-down conversion over the middle against the Chiefs.
What scouts once lauded about Franklin at Oregon — his top-end speed, fluid route running, and natural separation ability — began to translate at the pro level.
“By December, Troy wasn’t playing like a rookie anymore,” said wide receivers coach Keary Colbert. “He was diagnosing coverages, adjusting on the fly, and winning in all three levels of the field.”
That progression laid the foundation for a pivotal offseason — one that has Sean Payton predicting greatness.
Payton’s Faith and the ‘Ascension’ Vision
When Sean Payton uses specific terms to describe player development, it’s intentional. At a recent post-OTA press conference, Payton used one word to encapsulate what he expects from Franklin in Year 2: “Ascension.”
“That’s what we want — that leap,” Payton said. “We saw it with guys in New Orleans. Year 1 is about survival. Year 2 is where you start to play fast, think less, and dictate matchups. Troy’s trending toward that. Ascension — that’s what we’re banking on.”
Payton’s system, which relies on precision timing, layered route concepts, and exploiting defensive mismatches, is perfect for a player like Franklin. He thrives in the intermediate and deep zones, has the flexibility to line up inside or out, and possesses a rare ability to hit top speed with minimal build-up.
It’s not just Payton hyping him, either.
“Troy’s been unstoppable in 7-on-7s,” said quarterback Bo Nix, his former Oregon teammate and now starting QB for the Broncos. “We’ve had that connection for years, and now that we’re doing it in the league, it feels natural.”
Reunited with Bo Nix: Chemistry Matters
The Broncos’ decision to draft Bo Nix in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft solidified what could be one of the most intriguing reunions in football. Nix and Franklin lit up college football together at Oregon, connecting for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns in their final year as Ducks.
That preexisting chemistry is already paying dividends.
“Troy knows what I’m thinking before I even throw it,” Nix said. “We spent so much time working on timing, angles, adjustments. It’s second nature now. That’s dangerous for defenses.”
Payton, for his part, sees the duo as an invaluable asset.
“Quarterback-to-receiver trust is hard to teach,” Payton said. “You either have it or you don’t. These two have it. That’s a massive edge in an offense like ours.”
With Nix expected to start Week 1, Franklin won’t have to spend valuable time building rapport. He enters camp already on the same page with the man under center.
Opportunity Knocks: Wide Receiver Room in Transition
Franklin’s potential for ascension isn’t just about talent and chemistry — it’s also about opportunity. Denver’s wide receiver corps has undergone significant changes since the end of the 2024 season.
Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns for draft capital, ending a rocky tenure in Denver. Courtland Sutton, while still on the roster, is 29 and entering the final year of his deal amid trade rumors. Marvin Mims Jr., another promising young receiver, remains in the mix but is expected to take on more of a gadget/returner role.
That opens the door for Franklin to seize WR1 responsibilities — or at least WR1A alongside Sutton.
“I’m not here to be a backup,” Franklin told reporters in May. “I respect the veterans, but I’m coming for a bigger role. I know what I can do.”
That mindset, coupled with Payton’s vote of confidence, positions Franklin for an increased target share and a bigger spotlight.
Physical and Mental Growth: The Offseason Grind
While Franklin has always had the raw tools, the jump from Year 1 to Year 2 often hinges on physical development and mental processing. By all accounts, Franklin has embraced both challenges this offseason.
He added 8 pounds of muscle without sacrificing speed, now tipping the scales at 192 lbs — better suited to absorb NFL contact and maintain separation against press coverage. He’s also been a fixture in the film room.
“I’ve been breaking down route trees, coverages, blitz indicators — everything,” Franklin said. “The game’s slowing down. That’s when you know you’re ready to ascend.”
Veteran safety Justin Simmons has taken notice.
“Troy’s harder to cover this year,” Simmons said. “He’s using leverage better, disguising his breaks, and he’s always been fast. Now he’s just smarter.”
That maturity could be the difference between a solid second-year season and a true breakout.
Projected Impact in 2025: Stat Forecasts and Role
So what might a second-year leap for Troy Franklin actually look like in numbers?
If we extrapolate his trajectory and factor in a starting role, here’s a realistic stat line projection for 2025:
- Targets: 105
- Receptions: 72
- Receiving Yards: 1,015
- Touchdowns: 7
Those numbers would not only make Franklin Denver’s leading receiver, but they’d also place him among the NFL’s top 25 wideouts — a significant accomplishment for a second-year fourth-round pick.
And if the Broncos are serious about building a new offensive identity around Bo Nix’s arm and Franklin’s explosiveness, those numbers could even spike higher.
Challenges Ahead: What Could Prevent Ascension
While the signs are overwhelmingly positive, Franklin’s journey to stardom isn’t without hurdles.
For one, he’ll face increased defensive attention, especially if Sutton is moved or takes a backseat role. Can he beat top corners and bracket coverages consistently?
There’s also the unpredictability of a rookie QB, even one as experienced as Bo Nix. If Nix struggles or the offensive line falters, the whole passing game could suffer.
Lastly, Franklin must prove he can hold up over a full NFL season. The physical toll of 17 games is brutal, especially on young receivers adjusting to feature roles.
Still, Payton’s system is designed to mitigate some of those concerns with quick reads, motion, and mismatches. If Franklin stays healthy and maintains focus, there’s little reason to doubt his potential.
Final Word: A Star in the Making
“Ascension” is more than a word in Sean Payton’s vocabulary — it’s a directive. A challenge. A prophecy.
For Troy Franklin, it’s a blueprint.
He’s not just a promising wideout anymore. He’s a player the Broncos are actively building around. With a familiar quarterback, a visionary coach, and a clear runway to a leading role, Franklin enters the 2025 season as one of the league’s most intriguing breakout candidates.
If he capitalizes, don’t be surprised to hear his name among the NFL’s top receivers by December. The arrow is pointing up. And in the thin Denver air, Troy Franklin may just soar.
