Last year, Zaire Franklin entered the season with the most expectations and pressure he has had in his NFL career to date. With it being the first year in his career, he was asked to lead the Indianapolis Colts' LB room without Shaquille Leonard at his side.
And despite some online criticism from fans, Franklin delivered. He not only led the Colts in total tackles but also led the entire NFL; however, it wasn't enough to earn him a spot in the top 10 of a recent linebacker ranking at ESPN.
Colts LB Zaire Franklin falls out of top 10 LB ranking from ESPN's poll of NFL execs, coaches, and scouts
Honorable mention: Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts
"Blue collar, ultimate motor guy that can get a lot of tackles and set a good tone. Not dynamic as far as playmaking in the open field or the backfield."
- ESPN's top 10 LB ranking via poll of NFC execs, coaches, and scouts
Reading that Franklin's playmaking is an area that held him back in these rankings was interesting. Among the NFL's top ten for total tackles, Franklin is tied for the most tackles for loss (11), interceptions (two), and forced fumbles (five). He is also tied for the second most sacks and has the third most pass deflections of that group. This seems to indicate him making a ton of plays in both the passing and running games. While he led the league in total tackles, he also had a large number of missed tackles throughout the year, which would be a viable criticism of his 2024 season. But when you are put around the ball as much as Franklin was for the Colts, you are bound to be in that position. He has grown every season he's been in the NFL, and cutting down on his missed tackle rate will be the area the team hopes he sees growth in 2025. Below you can see the 10 LBs ESPN's poll believes are better than Franklin.
1. Fred Warner, San Franisco 49ers
2. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens
3. Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
4. Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
5. Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders
6. Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears
7. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. DeMarvion Overshown, Dallas Cowboys
9. Dre Greenlaw, Denver Broncos
10. Quincy Williams, New York Jets
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