Orlando Franklin of Miami ~ 6.7/315
"A tall, well-built interior lineman who showcases natural flexibility in his lower half when asked to sit into his stance. However, because of his height, struggles to play with consistent leverage inside and will allow powerful defensive linemen to get under his frame and drive him into the backfield in the pass game. Now, displays good length and can extend his arms into blocks, but doesn’t do a consistent job getting his hands inside the chest plate of opposing linemen.
Exhibits impressive lateral ability and overall athleticism when asked to slide his feet and mirror in a phone booth. Knows how to stick to blocks once he gets his hands on you and is tough to disengage from inside. But, he is making the move to left tackle this season and simply doesn’t possess the type of range to consistently reach speed off the edge at the next level.
Showcases average range when asked to get out of his stance and reach targets off his frame in the run game. Lumbers in the open field, but exhibits natural body control and can consistently hit/seal his man in tighter quarters. Possesses some natural power and burst out of his stance in short yardage/goal line sets when asked to create an initial surge.
However, anytime he’s asked to use his hands and sustain a block as an in-line guy, he again struggles to play with natural leverage because of his size and doesn’t create a ton of movement vs. more powerful defensive linemen in the run game.
Impression: Strikes me more as a right tackle prospect only in the NFL who could end up maturing into a potential starting caliber guy with some time. But, isn’t the type of big-time prospect he’s being made out to be."
Exhibits impressive lateral ability and overall athleticism when asked to slide his feet and mirror in a phone booth. Knows how to stick to blocks once he gets his hands on you and is tough to disengage from inside. But, he is making the move to left tackle this season and simply doesn’t possess the type of range to consistently reach speed off the edge at the next level.
Showcases average range when asked to get out of his stance and reach targets off his frame in the run game. Lumbers in the open field, but exhibits natural body control and can consistently hit/seal his man in tighter quarters. Possesses some natural power and burst out of his stance in short yardage/goal line sets when asked to create an initial surge.
However, anytime he’s asked to use his hands and sustain a block as an in-line guy, he again struggles to play with natural leverage because of his size and doesn’t create a ton of movement vs. more powerful defensive linemen in the run game.
Impression: Strikes me more as a right tackle prospect only in the NFL who could end up maturing into a potential starting caliber guy with some time. But, isn’t the type of big-time prospect he’s being made out to be."
"Perhaps fans identify with the program's production of skill-position players, Miami's history of churning out quality offensive linemen doesn't get the attention it deserves. From former first-round picks Bryant McKinnie (2002) and Vernon Carey (2004) to quality lower-rated prospects like Eric Winston (2006) and Jason Fox (2010), the 'Canes have been a consistent producer of NFL-caliber blockers. In Orlando Franklin, the Hurricanes boast another talented big man capable of warranting a high NFL draft selection.
Born in Jamaica, Franklin lived in Canada before moving to Florida for his senior year of high school. He wasn't academically cleared to play his first season with the Hurricanes, but emerged as one of the team's two "rookies of the year" in 2007, sharing the award with running back Graig Cooper, while starting three games and appearing in all 12 contests.
Franklin has since started 22 games, all but one coming at left guard. The one exception came in 2009 against South Florida, when a leg injury to Fox, a second-team All-ACC selection, forced Franklin to move outside.
Franklin had a solid game against former Virginia star and No. 2 overall pick Chris Long in 2007. The huge blocker was also surprisingly successful against South Florida's formidable pass-rush tandem of Jason Pierre-Paul and George Selvie. Despite earning second-team All-ACC honors, Franklin's lack of top-shelf athleticism was exposed this season at left tackle. He looks capable of developing into starter inside at guard or at right tackle.
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Pass Blocking: Flashes the initial quickness and depth in his kick-slide to consider remaining outside at tackle if he plays on the right side in the NFL. Was late off the snap early in his career at Miami, one of several reasons why the coaching staff kept him inside at left guard. Possesses the physical traits to develop into a top pass blocker. Long arms, strong hands and surprisingly good balance and overall agility. Slides laterally and is able to control opponents when he locks on.
Run Blocking: Only marginal initial quickness off the snap, but comes off surprisingly low and hard. Can knock defenders off the ball. Shows good leg drive to gain ground and doesn't back down from a fight. Flashes some nastiness finishing plays and will work to knock his opponent to the ground. Has to do a better job keeping his hands inside the numbers of defenders. Has a tendency to let his hands get too high and wide, which will result in holding penalties against NFL athletes.
Pulling/Trapping: An effective trap blocker, his slow first step off the snap can actually work in his favor as opponents rush past him. Is strong enough to latch on and large enough to seal a lane for the ballcarrier. Isn't often asked to pull in this offense and doesn't appear to have the straight-line speed or flexibility to acclimate smoothly into this type of blocking scheme.
Initial Quickness: Too often is a beat slow off the snap. Has the bulk and power to maintain his position squarely in front of the defender while protected inside at guard, but doesn't consistently show the initial quickness to handle blocking on the outside against NFL athletes.
Downfield: Only average straight-line speed to get to the second level. Shows the flexibility to "get skinny" to avoid the trash and complete his assignment. Moderate balance to re-direct his charge at the second level. A bit of a bull in a china shop despite his experience. Too often is content with getting a shove on the defender and allowing his hands to get outside of the shoulder pads.
Intangibles: Signed with Miami (Fla.) as a highly touted prospect, but despite starting 35 games over the past four years, is still learning the technical nuances of the position. Has had his football IQ and toughness questioned in the past. Has shown an exciting ability to step up his level of play when physically challenged by talented opposition, but remains a work in progress.
Born in Jamaica, Franklin lived in Canada before moving to Florida for his senior year of high school. He wasn't academically cleared to play his first season with the Hurricanes, but emerged as one of the team's two "rookies of the year" in 2007, sharing the award with running back Graig Cooper, while starting three games and appearing in all 12 contests.
Franklin has since started 22 games, all but one coming at left guard. The one exception came in 2009 against South Florida, when a leg injury to Fox, a second-team All-ACC selection, forced Franklin to move outside.
Franklin had a solid game against former Virginia star and No. 2 overall pick Chris Long in 2007. The huge blocker was also surprisingly successful against South Florida's formidable pass-rush tandem of Jason Pierre-Paul and George Selvie. Despite earning second-team All-ACC honors, Franklin's lack of top-shelf athleticism was exposed this season at left tackle. He looks capable of developing into starter inside at guard or at right tackle.
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Pass Blocking: Flashes the initial quickness and depth in his kick-slide to consider remaining outside at tackle if he plays on the right side in the NFL. Was late off the snap early in his career at Miami, one of several reasons why the coaching staff kept him inside at left guard. Possesses the physical traits to develop into a top pass blocker. Long arms, strong hands and surprisingly good balance and overall agility. Slides laterally and is able to control opponents when he locks on.
Run Blocking: Only marginal initial quickness off the snap, but comes off surprisingly low and hard. Can knock defenders off the ball. Shows good leg drive to gain ground and doesn't back down from a fight. Flashes some nastiness finishing plays and will work to knock his opponent to the ground. Has to do a better job keeping his hands inside the numbers of defenders. Has a tendency to let his hands get too high and wide, which will result in holding penalties against NFL athletes.
Pulling/Trapping: An effective trap blocker, his slow first step off the snap can actually work in his favor as opponents rush past him. Is strong enough to latch on and large enough to seal a lane for the ballcarrier. Isn't often asked to pull in this offense and doesn't appear to have the straight-line speed or flexibility to acclimate smoothly into this type of blocking scheme.
Initial Quickness: Too often is a beat slow off the snap. Has the bulk and power to maintain his position squarely in front of the defender while protected inside at guard, but doesn't consistently show the initial quickness to handle blocking on the outside against NFL athletes.
Downfield: Only average straight-line speed to get to the second level. Shows the flexibility to "get skinny" to avoid the trash and complete his assignment. Moderate balance to re-direct his charge at the second level. A bit of a bull in a china shop despite his experience. Too often is content with getting a shove on the defender and allowing his hands to get outside of the shoulder pads.
Intangibles: Signed with Miami (Fla.) as a highly touted prospect, but despite starting 35 games over the past four years, is still learning the technical nuances of the position. Has had his football IQ and toughness questioned in the past. Has shown an exciting ability to step up his level of play when physically challenged by talented opposition, but remains a work in progress.
"Agility: Franklin has the ability to quickly go from ground to stance. He possesses a good explosion off the ball which allows him to get into the defender. Franklin's agility allows him to quickly change direction and react to counter moves. Overall, for his size he has fluid motions.
Movement: There is some quickness to Franklin's game. He has the ability to quickly get off the line of scrimmage and into the defender. His quicks allow him to effectively climb to the 2nd level and create running room. Franklin has a bit of a forward lean which puts him off balance. He has the ability to sit into his stance but when he gets out over his feet he lunges.
Pass Blocking: Franklin possesses the ability to hold up in pass protection. He has a strong base which allows him to anchor and reset after the initial contact. His quick feet help him mirror potential rushers. However, he doesn't possesses the quickness to constantly hold up against speed rushers. He will likely be exploited if asked to play left tackle in the NFL. There are some wasted motions in Franklin's set which allows defenders to get into his body. He doesn't have a violent punch and would rather absorb the contact than deliver. This is a concern because it will make him susceptible to power rush moves. Overall, Franklin has a good solid base and quick enough feet to provide solid protection at either right tackle or guard.
Quickness: For his size, Franklin possesses good quickness. His explosion off the football allows him to get good positioning. Franklin's quick feet allow him to effectively mirror defenders when not in space. Climbing to the 2nd level is an area of Franklin's game that is a positive. He is also able to pull and get out in front of the running back and deliver a block.
Run Blocking: Franklin is being projected as a guard in the NFL. However, I see some issues with that projection and it mainly revolves around his run blocking ability. Franklin struggles with his handusage which is essential to a guards success in the NFL. Off the snap, Franklin keeps his hands at his side and is slow to deliver a punch. Too often, Franklin allows the defender into his body limiting his ability to create a push off the line. He also has a tendency of placing his hands on the defender's shoulder rather than inside. Overall, he doesn't create a great push off the line and is more of a Velcro player that relies on turning the defensive lineman. Franklin's success as a run blocker will be impacted by the system he is drafted into. However, there is potential for development due to his ability to keep his pads low and maintain leverage. He also possesses a strong base which leads me to believe that with improved hand placement he could be a more effective run blocker.
Strength: The issue isn't that Franklin doesn't posses good strength but in his technique. Franklin's strength is most apparent in his ability to Velcro and control the defender. His heavy hands allow him to manipulate defenders in a certain direction. His strong lower half helps him absorb contact and remain balanced.
Technique: There are several areas where Franklin needs technique improvement. In pass protection, he plays with his hands at his side which allows the defender to get into his body. Hand-usage is a common problem for Franklin as he struggles to consistently get inside hands. Struggling to get inside hands impacts Franklin's ability to move defenders off the line of scrimmage. One area where Franklin is successful is keeping his pad level low providing him leverage.
Final word: Overall, Franklin has the skills and ability to be an effective offensive lineman in the NFL. His future is at either right tackle or guard. Ideally, he will find a roll at right tackle because his height and slow hands will impact his ability to effectively play guard. It appears likely that Franklin will come off the board somewhere in round 2."
Movement: There is some quickness to Franklin's game. He has the ability to quickly get off the line of scrimmage and into the defender. His quicks allow him to effectively climb to the 2nd level and create running room. Franklin has a bit of a forward lean which puts him off balance. He has the ability to sit into his stance but when he gets out over his feet he lunges.
Pass Blocking: Franklin possesses the ability to hold up in pass protection. He has a strong base which allows him to anchor and reset after the initial contact. His quick feet help him mirror potential rushers. However, he doesn't possesses the quickness to constantly hold up against speed rushers. He will likely be exploited if asked to play left tackle in the NFL. There are some wasted motions in Franklin's set which allows defenders to get into his body. He doesn't have a violent punch and would rather absorb the contact than deliver. This is a concern because it will make him susceptible to power rush moves. Overall, Franklin has a good solid base and quick enough feet to provide solid protection at either right tackle or guard.
Quickness: For his size, Franklin possesses good quickness. His explosion off the football allows him to get good positioning. Franklin's quick feet allow him to effectively mirror defenders when not in space. Climbing to the 2nd level is an area of Franklin's game that is a positive. He is also able to pull and get out in front of the running back and deliver a block.
Run Blocking: Franklin is being projected as a guard in the NFL. However, I see some issues with that projection and it mainly revolves around his run blocking ability. Franklin struggles with his handusage which is essential to a guards success in the NFL. Off the snap, Franklin keeps his hands at his side and is slow to deliver a punch. Too often, Franklin allows the defender into his body limiting his ability to create a push off the line. He also has a tendency of placing his hands on the defender's shoulder rather than inside. Overall, he doesn't create a great push off the line and is more of a Velcro player that relies on turning the defensive lineman. Franklin's success as a run blocker will be impacted by the system he is drafted into. However, there is potential for development due to his ability to keep his pads low and maintain leverage. He also possesses a strong base which leads me to believe that with improved hand placement he could be a more effective run blocker.
Strength: The issue isn't that Franklin doesn't posses good strength but in his technique. Franklin's strength is most apparent in his ability to Velcro and control the defender. His heavy hands allow him to manipulate defenders in a certain direction. His strong lower half helps him absorb contact and remain balanced.
Technique: There are several areas where Franklin needs technique improvement. In pass protection, he plays with his hands at his side which allows the defender to get into his body. Hand-usage is a common problem for Franklin as he struggles to consistently get inside hands. Struggling to get inside hands impacts Franklin's ability to move defenders off the line of scrimmage. One area where Franklin is successful is keeping his pad level low providing him leverage.
Final word: Overall, Franklin has the skills and ability to be an effective offensive lineman in the NFL. His future is at either right tackle or guard. Ideally, he will find a roll at right tackle because his height and slow hands will impact his ability to effectively play guard. It appears likely that Franklin will come off the board somewhere in round 2."
"Bio: Three-year starter who also saw limited action with the first team as a freshman. All-Conference selection as a senior. Played both left tackle and left guard for the Hurricanes.
Positive: Big offensive lineman who's shown flashes of ability the past three years. Quickly sets up off the snap, keeps his feet moving, and makes terrific use of body positioning. Stays square, controls defenders once engaged at the point of attack, and anchors in pass protection. Strong enough to ride oncoming rushers from the play.
Negative: Does too much leaning on opponents and rarely finishes blocks. Ineffective with his hands and displays marginal strength. Played left tackle yet does not possess the footwork necessary to block the edge. Slow if asked to kick out or pull and shows no skill in motion.
Analysis: Franklin is a size prospect who has been productive on the college level but has not been the consistent force many thought possible. His technique is still rough around the edges, but his size alone gives him good upside. He's likely to be over-drafted and may take a while to develop."
Positive: Big offensive lineman who's shown flashes of ability the past three years. Quickly sets up off the snap, keeps his feet moving, and makes terrific use of body positioning. Stays square, controls defenders once engaged at the point of attack, and anchors in pass protection. Strong enough to ride oncoming rushers from the play.
Negative: Does too much leaning on opponents and rarely finishes blocks. Ineffective with his hands and displays marginal strength. Played left tackle yet does not possess the footwork necessary to block the edge. Slow if asked to kick out or pull and shows no skill in motion.
Analysis: Franklin is a size prospect who has been productive on the college level but has not been the consistent force many thought possible. His technique is still rough around the edges, but his size alone gives him good upside. He's likely to be over-drafted and may take a while to develop."
"Positives: Solid athlete... Versatile... Good length... Very solid footwork, flashes good quickness... Good anchor... Very solid lateral movement with good short area slide... Redirects reasonably well... Holds up well versus bull rushers... Very solid run blocker... Very good strength... Has ability to pull and get to the second level... Very solid flexibility and body control... Stays on his blocks, gives a good effort... Aggressive, flashes a mean streak.
Negatives: Inconsistent and somewhat sloppy footwork and technique... Not very quick, can be slow getting off the snap... Doesn't fire out, allows defenders to make first contact... Tries to get by on size alone... Can be beat by outside speed, overextends... Bends at the waist... Marginal hand placement, hands to get to wide... A little stiff... Can be slow picking up delayed blitz... Doesn't always generate the power he should... Doesn't move the pile as well as he should considering his strength ... Doesn't stay low or always play with leverage... Lowers his head... Gets a little too upright and can be driven off the ball... A little awkward blocking on the move... Has been as heavy as 345 lbs... Does not possess the lateral range of a NFL Left Tackle."
Negatives: Inconsistent and somewhat sloppy footwork and technique... Not very quick, can be slow getting off the snap... Doesn't fire out, allows defenders to make first contact... Tries to get by on size alone... Can be beat by outside speed, overextends... Bends at the waist... Marginal hand placement, hands to get to wide... A little stiff... Can be slow picking up delayed blitz... Doesn't always generate the power he should... Doesn't move the pile as well as he should considering his strength ... Doesn't stay low or always play with leverage... Lowers his head... Gets a little too upright and can be driven off the ball... A little awkward blocking on the move... Has been as heavy as 345 lbs... Does not possess the lateral range of a NFL Left Tackle."
"Strengths: Big brute, who can play ROT or OG. Has played LOT in college and may be able to back up at that position as well. Really gets some pop in the run game, and is able to engulf college DEs in pass pro. Plays with vigor and determination. Is still learning the position and has some upside left. Did a nice job at the collegiate level at LOT in 2010. Versatility is a major plus. Coachable and has gotten better every year. Has the size, raw talent, and demeanor to possibly develop into something special in the right program.
Weaknesses: A man without a known pro position. ROT may be his best slot, but he hasn't really been tested there. Can play LOG too, but he has a spotty playing resume. Doesn't appear to have the feet to remain at LOT. Lacks pass pro technique. Overaged.
Projection: 3-4th rounder."
Weaknesses: A man without a known pro position. ROT may be his best slot, but he hasn't really been tested there. Can play LOG too, but he has a spotty playing resume. Doesn't appear to have the feet to remain at LOT. Lacks pass pro technique. Overaged.
Projection: 3-4th rounder."
"At 6-7 and 312 pounds, Orlando Franklin has the size to be a superb guard in the NFL. As a freshman at Miami he played in 12 games and earned three starts, all of which came against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents. By his sophomore season the big offensive guard was starting a majority of the games and grading out very well. Franklin also turned into a pretty consistent performer despite his youth and inexperience.
As a junior in 2009 Franklin had his breakout campaign. He has pretty much dominated Gerald McCoy and helped the Hurricanes tally an impressive 5,199 total yards of offense. It was at the end of the 2009 campaign when Franklin made the move to left tackle. He did fine at that position against South Florida in the regular season finale and against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl, but things got bad in 2010. Franklin certainly looks like a tackle, but it became painfully clear early in his senior season that his slow movement and poor foot speed would make him a guard in the NFL.
It was so obvious to Miami that Franklin has spent less time at either tackle position and has mostly stayed in the middle of the line. That lack of versatility and mobility certainly drops Franklin's draft stock, but he is still a very good guard and should be gone by the second or third round."
As a junior in 2009 Franklin had his breakout campaign. He has pretty much dominated Gerald McCoy and helped the Hurricanes tally an impressive 5,199 total yards of offense. It was at the end of the 2009 campaign when Franklin made the move to left tackle. He did fine at that position against South Florida in the regular season finale and against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl, but things got bad in 2010. Franklin certainly looks like a tackle, but it became painfully clear early in his senior season that his slow movement and poor foot speed would make him a guard in the NFL.
It was so obvious to Miami that Franklin has spent less time at either tackle position and has mostly stayed in the middle of the line. That lack of versatility and mobility certainly drops Franklin's draft stock, but he is still a very good guard and should be gone by the second or third round."
"Franklin's technique will need more work, as he tends to shoot his hands wide of his target and play wide-based, but he is so big, long and strong that he is able to get away with average technique at the college level and still be very effective. His work ethic and character will need to be evaluated and could affect his draft stock, but from a physical standpoint, he is somewhat similar to Bryant McKinnie and could readily start on a mashing offensive line.
Since shifting to left tackle this fall from the guard position he previously occupied, he has shown he can handle the edge. He has an aggressive football temperament and is capable of playing either the left or right side, perhaps being even more natural on the right."
Since shifting to left tackle this fall from the guard position he previously occupied, he has shown he can handle the edge. He has an aggressive football temperament and is capable of playing either the left or right side, perhaps being even more natural on the right."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Orlando Franklin
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
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Orlando Franklin commands a damned good Crouch, adequate Power to drive the Run Game + Strength to Achor against the Pass Rush, and excellent Lateral Agility, though his Flanking Speed is mediocre.
His lack of Range strongly suggests that he is neither a Guard nor a Left Tackle in the Pros, but a Right Tackle.
As such, his current 2nd Round projection is about right, in my view.
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As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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Orlando Franklin commands a damned good Crouch, adequate Power to drive the Run Game + Strength to Achor against the Pass Rush, and excellent Lateral Agility, though his Flanking Speed is mediocre.
His lack of Range strongly suggests that he is neither a Guard nor a Left Tackle in the Pros, but a Right Tackle.
As such, his current 2nd Round projection is about right, in my view.
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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