Zakhari Franklin, WR UTSA: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Zakhari Franklin was a two-star recruit from Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas in the class of 2019
Sincere McCormick smashed rushing records over his final seasons with the UTSA Roadrunners. Unfortunately, the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards didn’t hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft. UTSA has a shot at redemption in 2023 as Zakhari Franklin, the program’s career leader in receiving yards, prepares for his pro career.
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Zakhari Franklin, WR UTSA: 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Classification: Senior outside receiver from Cedar Hill, Texas
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 247Sports and No. 2,382 (three-star) for On3.com. 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. He has one brother.
2021 Production: 13 games, 81 receptions, 1,027 yards, 12 touchdowns
2020 Production: 10 games, 49 receptions, 694 yards, 7 touchdowns
2019 Production: 9 games, 38 receptions, 491 yards, 3 touchdowns
Awards: 2020 Honorable Mention All-Conference USA, 2021 First-Team All-Conference USA
Injuries & Off-Field: N/A
Pros: Drops are rare, only one fumble in his college career, build up speed to make plays downfield, rarely benefits from manufactured touches, sturdy build, deploys a stutter-hop at the top of some routes to freeze defensive backs, footwork is above average, several one-handed circus snags while playing through contact, ball tracking, secures catches through contact, climbs the ladder for high receptions, high energy player, no lack of effort as a route runner & he moves with urgency, strong field vision, disguises and sells his routes well, plays like a big-body receiver, body control is impressive, smooth mover, puts in effort as a blocker
Cons: Performs below expectations in contested catch situations, faced limited competition through his first three seasons, committed five penalties in 2021, forced missed tackles are few and far between, not twitchy or sudden, routes are sometimes more rounded than sharp, lacks the speed to consistently take the top off defenses, won’t blow by NFL corners in off-man coverage, separation is inconsistent, limited to no special teams experience, route tree relies heavily on slants and verticals, could struggle to beat press coverage
Overview: Franklin is unofficially listed at 6'1", 185 lbs. He’s UTSA’s career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He also owns the program’s single season records in those three categories. Most of Franklin’s 2021 production came between the hashes, but he’s also won on fades and deep outside vertical routes. The Texas native’s highlight plays display NFL potential, especially in how Franklin tracks and plays the football mid-air. Unfortunately, his limited size, speed, and agility will put him at a disadvantage against most NFL defensive backs.
Overall, Franklin isn’t a very versatile or athletically imposing player, but he makes up for physical shortcomings with exceptional ball skills and body control. Franklin’s floor is likely more impressive than his ceiling, but he has the traits to be a productive day three selection.
Role & Scheme Fit: X or Z receiver in an 11 personnel heavy scheme
Round Projection: Mid Fifth to Early Sixth
Player Comparison: N/A
Submitted: 07-03-22