Troy Franklin was not invited to the Sweet 16.
One of the biggest surprises in the first two days of the NFL Draft is that Franklin is still available in the fourth round Saturday, despite 16 receivers being left out of the roster so far.
Franklin had 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns at Oregon last season, but why he was available is a bit of a mystery.
But he’s not the only expensive player left after being selected 101st overall by the Panthers when the draft restarts.
Below are the Post’s 10 best available players, including their initial rankings in parentheses on the Post’s pre-draft Top 100 Big Board.
1. WR Troy Franklin, Oregon State, 6-2, 176 (35)
A weapon to turn on the jets with the ball in his hands, especially on diagonal catch-and-runs. Separate the safety aid from other receivers.
Last season, he had eight catches for 40 yards and 14 touchdowns.
A questionable drop if you fail to maintain some level of concentration and catch.
2. CB TJ Tampa, Iowa, 6-1, 189 (54)
Tampa is from St. Petersburg, Florida. Jams plays receiver at the line of scrimmage and uses his long arms to look for breakups, but his speed is a concern. Jumping routes takes some risk.
A “gamer” who rarely leaves the field.
3. RB Jalen Wright, Tennessee, 5-10, 210 (57)
A home run batter who can start and stop on a dime. He gained 10 or more yards on 25.4 percent of his carries last season, according to NFL.com.
Breaks second-level tackles (average of 4.35 yards after contact). Like many rookies, he may struggle in pass protection.
4. S Jayden Hicks, Washington State, 6-2, 211 (58)
He’s a great hitter in the box, but can he keep pace downfield with his NFL-level speed? Is he more of an undersized linebacker? He blitzes off the edge and he’s the quarterback in an instant.
Aggression can be used against him.
5. CB DJ James, Auburn, 6-0, 175 (67)
Added a pre-draft carb loading diet to alleviate concerns about thin rail frames. A favorite among scouts who swear by tape.
He’s comfortable in man-to-man and zone coverage, but doesn’t have much experience indoors where his size can push him. You can expect a lot of turbulence from the ball.
6. TE Jatavion Sanders, Texas, 6-4, 245 (69)
He plays like a big receiver with long strides and separation. If he doesn’t, he boxes defenders out and forces them to contest the catch.
Bottom line: Career failed four times. Not ready to take on the responsibility of blocking every down. Core special teamer.
7. WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina, 6-1, 193 (75)
Part of four different programs. His open stance on “mental health” issues sparked a high-profile battle with the strict NCAA over 2023 eligibility.
Scored 18 touchdowns in recent games (at UNC and Kent State) and is a long-running go route threat. Affected by collision compensation.
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8. LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson, 6-0, 228 (80)
No explanation needed after his father made the Pro Bowl with the Eagles. He is an instinctive and powerful player who always takes the lead.
Cause havoc as a blitzer. Always controlled, but there are concerns about his size and ability to cover.
9. CB Chris Abrams-Drain, Missouri, 5-11, 179 (81)
Last season, he led the SEC with 16 passes defensed, including four interceptions. Scouts use the word “fluid” to describe his ease of movement.
Convenient even in small spaces. Special team return and coverage experience. Star match-ups make it even more competitive.
10. TE Jared Wiley, TCU, 6-6, 249 (82)
He had 8 touchdowns out of 47 catches last season. It’s good at finding weak spots under cover.
When playing with a scrambling quarterback, he needs to show better instincts after a route breaks down. Tools to become a better blocker.
