NFL Draft Profile: Zakhari Franklin, Wide Receiver, UTSA Roadrunners
#18
Pos: WR
Ht: 6000
Wt: 189
Hand: 1038
Arm: 3300
Wing: 7878
40: 4.55
DOB: 10/15/2000
Hometown: Cedar Hill, TX
High School: Cedar Hill
Eligibility: 2023
Zakhari Franklin
UTSA Roadrunners
One Liner:
Franklin isn’t a very versatile or athletically imposing player, but he makes up for physical shortcomings with exceptional ball skills and body control.
Evaluation:
Franklin primarily lines up as an outside wide receiver, but he’s experienced playing in the slot. Most of his 2021 production came between the hashes, but he also won on fades and other deep outside vertical routes. The Texas native’s highlight plays display NFL potential, especially in how Franklin tracks and plays the football mid-air. The long strider possesses build-up speed to be a downfield threat, although he doesn’t have the sudden burst to stack corners quickly. Drops are rare on Franklin’s film. He plays larger than his size, putting in effort as a blocker, climbing the ladder for high receptions, and boxing out defensive backs. Franklin secures catches through contact and has his fair share of one-handed snags. He displays exceptional ball tracking and body control. While he isn’t the fastest receiver, Franklin runs routes with high effort and urgency. He’s a high-energy player who looks to maximize his contributions to the team. Franklin fights for yards after the catch and has solid vision as a runner. He uses a stutter-hop and varied route tempo to freeze defensive backs before making his move. Franklin is a smooth linear athlete, but he lacks the agility and twitch to make defenders miss after the catch. He doesn’t display much stiffness going into or out of breaks but would benefit from sinking more and creating sharper cuts instead of rounding his routes. Unfortunately, Franklin’s limited size, speed, and agility will put him at a disadvantage against NFL defensive backs. He struggles to create separation, especially against press coverage. Franklin’s route tree relies heavily on slants and verticals and lacks diversity. His floor is likely more impressive than his ceiling, but he has the traits to be a productive day three selection.
Grade:
5th Round
Background:
Franklin was a two-star recruit from Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas in the class of 2019. He was the No. 2,750 recruit according to the 247Sports Composite board and No. 2,382 (three-star) for On3.com. He was the No. 337 wide receiver recruit in the nation and the No. 389 recruit in Texas for 247Sports. Franklin was an unranked two-star recruit for Rivals and an unranked recruit for ESPN with no grade or star rating. As a high school senior, he produced 23 receptions for 687 yards and nine touchdowns. Franklin also participated on the basketball and track and field teams at Cedar Hill High School. He has one brother. Franklin earned 2020 Honorable Mention All-Conference USA and 2021 First-Team All-Conference USA status over the past two years. He is UTSA’s all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Franklin also holds the program’s records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in a single season.
