Orlando Franklin Signs Contract, Details Revealed

The Broncos drafted Orlando Franklin in the second round 46th overall, out of Miami. Franklin adds some depth to the Broncos O-line and has a chance to start at right tackle depending on what happens with Ryan Harris.

Franklin had his deal finalized 40 minutes before the morning practice.

In the meantime, he was waiting in his hotel room, going over the playbook and bugging his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

"He kept telling me to stop calling him," Franklin said.

Once he hit the field, Franklin quickly showed the form that made him a second-round pick. Stepping in as a starter at right tackle, he held his own.

"I learned a lot today; messed up a lot also," Franklin said. "But that comes with the territory."

The University of Miami product was given some plays to study during the lockout and quickly absorbed them, not wanting to let down his fellow linemen.

"It kind of stresses that you have to get it down as quick as possibly," the 6-foot-7, 312-pound Franklin said. "You're rolling with four other guys that pretty much know what they're doing.

"But I was pretty much in the same situation in college. Day one of (that) camp I started also. It puts a lot of pressure on you, but with time I think I'll be all right."

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil helped Franklin out, putting him through the paces when the two were in Florida.

"He told me if I'm able to work out down there in Miami and do the stuff that he was doing that I would be all right coming up here," Franklin said. "But I definitely felt like I was real tired out there."

Franklin was called "one of the most physical, nasty linemen in this year's draft" from NFL Networks Mike Mayock. He is perfect for the system that John Fox runs. He measures in at 6-4, 325 pounds, Franklin is a mauler who plays with a nasty streak.  With a 36" reach, Franklin has excellent arms to play either inside or outside for the Broncos.

Franklin started 51 games while at the University of Miami where he played left guard and left tackle.  While Franklin does have NFL intangibles, he will have to work on his footwork and technique.  Those things can be coached. The Broncos over the past few years have been going to a heaver offensive line transitioning from the Shanahan line.


(milehighreport.com)