Proving people wrong has become second nature for Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin.
And it looks like he will have to do it again in 2024, as he was left outside of a top-10 off-ball LB ranking based on a survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.
Zaire Franklin
Franklin didn't crack the top 10 off-ball LBs, with the following players coming in above him.
1. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
2. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens
3. Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills
4. Patrick Queen, Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
6. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Cleveland Browns
7. Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears
8. Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints
9. Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers
10. Foyesade Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars
While he didn't make the top 10, Franklin was one of seven players listed as an honorable mention. And an AFC coordinator had the following to say about him.
"Really disruptive. The way Gus [Bradley] plays him, he can fly around and cause turnovers."
- AFC Coordinator via Top 10 off-ball LB survey
Franklin has proven himself to be one of the best LBs in the NFL against the run and is one of the biggest leaders in the Colts locker room. He believes in his abilities and has made a point of proving his doubters wrong. He signed a new extension with the team this offseason and is set up to continue being a leader for the Colts' defense. So, let's hope he uses this as motivation in 2024 and that he's able to take his game to an even higher level.
