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One NFC executive recently weighed in on Indianapolis Colts' linebacker Zaire Franklin.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has been speaking with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts as he compiles his ranking of the top 10 players at each position group.
Among the linebackers, Franklin didn't crack the top 10, but he was an honorable mention.
Here is what one NFC executive said to Fowler about the Colts' linebacker:
"Blue collar, ultimate motor guy that can get a lot of tackles and set a good tone," the exec told Fowler. "Not dynamic as far as playmaking in the open field or the backfield."
Franklin is coming off his best season defensively as a pro. He would make his first Pro Bowl, and he was also named a second-team All-Pro.
Statistically, Franklin led the league in tackles with 173, and he also set career highs in pressures (15), sacks (4), and interceptions (2), according to PFF.
However, like any player, and as the NFC exec alludes to, there are areas of growth for Franklin, particularly in the open field as a coverage defender, where quarterbacks were efficient targeting him, completing 87% of their passes with a passer rating of 105.5.
But that part of Franklin's game could be negated somewhat this season by pairing him with Jaylon Carlies, who brings a coverage presence to the linebacker position, along with playing in Lou Anarumo's scheme, where there will be a heavier reliance on cornerbacks and safeties. What this could mean for Franklin is more snaps near the line of scrimmage, which is where he excels.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFC executive weighs in on Indianapolis Colts' LB Zaire Franklin
Continue reading...
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has been speaking with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts as he compiles his ranking of the top 10 players at each position group.
Among the linebackers, Franklin didn't crack the top 10, but he was an honorable mention.
Here is what one NFC executive said to Fowler about the Colts' linebacker:
"Blue collar, ultimate motor guy that can get a lot of tackles and set a good tone," the exec told Fowler. "Not dynamic as far as playmaking in the open field or the backfield."
Franklin is coming off his best season defensively as a pro. He would make his first Pro Bowl, and he was also named a second-team All-Pro.
Statistically, Franklin led the league in tackles with 173, and he also set career highs in pressures (15), sacks (4), and interceptions (2), according to PFF.
However, like any player, and as the NFC exec alludes to, there are areas of growth for Franklin, particularly in the open field as a coverage defender, where quarterbacks were efficient targeting him, completing 87% of their passes with a passer rating of 105.5.
But that part of Franklin's game could be negated somewhat this season by pairing him with Jaylon Carlies, who brings a coverage presence to the linebacker position, along with playing in Lou Anarumo's scheme, where there will be a heavier reliance on cornerbacks and safeties. What this could mean for Franklin is more snaps near the line of scrimmage, which is where he excels.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFC executive weighs in on Indianapolis Colts' LB Zaire Franklin
Continue reading...
