If the Denver Broncos are gearing up to make a significant leap in 2025, the onus will clearly fall on their youth-dominated offensive roster. While the team has made some intriguing moves to strengthen its lineup, the addition of tight end Evan Engram stands out as the sole veteran offensive weapon thus far.
Head coach Sean Payton has expressed unwavering confidence in his young receiving corps. He made headlines earlier this offseason when he declared that he didn’t view the need for a receiver as critical as many others did. Only time will tell if Payton’s optimism regarding his youthful talents holds up. Last season, the wide receiver position was a persistent Achilles’ heel for the Broncos, marked by a disheartening rate of three-and-outs and dropped passes.
Among the young players looking to make an impact, Troy Franklin stands out, quite literally, donning his new No. 11 jersey this season. As he enters year two, his renewed confidence could be a game-changer for the Broncos offense.
One of the best scenarios for Denver this coming season is if Franklin can indeed have that breakout year. A clip surfaced from the early stages of OTAs, showcasing Franklin seamlessly catching a pass from quarterback Bo Nix, evoking memories of their successful connection while playing together at Oregon.
Sure, it’s just a brief highlight from OTAs, but it’s a promising sign for Franklin as he kicks off the offseason program. Let’s be real—imagine the chaos if there were negative reports circulating about his performance.
The Broncos are banking on Franklin’s second-year leap, a topic that’s already become a hot discussion among media and fans alike this offseason. With the team opting not to pursue several high-profile veteran receivers, including big names like Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel, the challenge now rests heavily on the shoulders of these young talents. If they can deliver, Payton will look like a visionary; if not, he may face some tough questions about his faith in this group.
Last season, Denver took some measured risks with young players, such as cornerback Riley Moss, and it paid off well for them. While not every rookie rises to the occasion when given a sink-or-swim chance, Franklin’s confidence is being bolstered piece by piece this offseason.
It’s not outside the realm of possibility to envision him climbing the depth chart to potentially become the No. 2 receiver in Denver, at least in terms of total targets. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Franklin and whether he can convert this promise into production on the field. The Broncos are crossing their fingers for a bright—and perhaps transformational—year ahead.
