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Broncos add Bo Nix's favorite college target after trading up in fourth round
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos add Bo Nix's favorite college target after trading up in fourth round

Bo Nix will have a familiar face to throw to with the Broncos.

On Saturday, Denver moved up to the second pick of the fourth round (102nd overall) to select former Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin, who played with Nix the past two seasons.

Last year, Franklin led the Ducks with 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Per ESPN's NFL Draft broadcast, his eight 100-yard games last season were the most in a single season in program history.

Denver gave up its fifth- and sixth-round picks to move up while also receiving a seventh-rounder, a fair price for a player who should benefit the team's rookie quarterback.

The Broncos selected Nix at No. 12 overall on Thursday, and adding a target he's comfortable with should only help accelerate his timeline to win the starting job.

After all, Broncos head coach Sean Payton likely didn't choose Nix to have him sit behind Zach Wilson.

ESPN's Robert Griffin III praised the pick on social media, calling Franklin a "perfect" fit for Denver.

"Give Bo Nix the [wide receiver] he knows. Helps them grow, and Bo knows how to get the best out of him," wrote the 2011 Heisman winner.

It can be challenging enough for a rookie quarterback to learn an NFL offensive system in one offseason, let alone to develop the chemistry and timing with his receivers necessary to thrive. By acquiring Franklin, the Broncos have made Nix's transition to the NFL easier.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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