Zakhari Franklin 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• First Team All-C-USA (2021)

• Set school record in receptions, receiving yards per game, and receiving touchdowns
• Honorable Mention All-C-USA (2020)

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Spread
• 2022 projected role: X receiver who has traits to be a starter 

Pros: Zakhari Franklin returns to UTSA as one of the most productive receivers in all of college football. Franklin possesses above-average size for the position but is a very good overall athlete. He aligns predominantly outside as an X but will play inside in the slot as well. Franklin is an excellent route-runner who shows good lateral agility at the top of the route in and out of breaks. He knows how to set up defenders and attack leverage, creating separation even though he isn’t the most explosive athlete. He is a long strider who eats up grass when he opens his gate. He has outstanding hands, body control, and ball-tracking ability. He makes 50/50 and jump-ball situations more like 80/20 as he is so dominant playing the ball in the air. He plays much bigger than his listed size and understands how to position his body between the defender and the ball. He is fearless on throws over the middle of the field and he is excellent with the ball in his hands, showing an ability to make defenders miss and break tackles. He’s an uber-productive receiver with very good playmaking ability. 

Cons: Zakhari Franklin lacks top-end breakaway speed and explosive change of direction. He isn’t a threat to run away from coverage in a pure track meet. He doesn’t create separation easily and corners have the ability to stay connected throughout the route. He has some instances where he attempts to make one-handed catches just because he can rather than securing the ball with both hands.

Zakhari Franklin NFL Draft Scouting Report by Brentley Weissman