ENGLEWOOD, Colo — The Denver Broncos went to great lengths to keep the private workout they held with three Oregon Duck players March 18 in Eugene, Oregon.
Now we know why.
Observed by Broncos' head coach Sean Payton, general manager George Paton and several coaches, Oregon players who participated in the workout were quarterback Bo Nix, his top receiver Troy Franklin and running back Bucky Irving.
Five weeks later, the Broncos drafted Nix with their No. 12 overall selection and on Saturday morning Denver traded up to Seattle's second pick in the fourth round (No. 102 overall) to take Franklin.
What a workout!
"That day pretty much I just had the workout for them,'' Franklin said minutes after he was selected in a conference call with the Denver media. "Bo had the meeting and I just went out there and caught for him. It was more about spot catching but I wanted to make sure I was catching the ball easily, fluidly, all that good stuff. They had me run a couple top of the routes, so I did that.
"Just looked fluid, made sure I had good conversations with them. I think I gave off a good first impression to them."
The 6-foot-3, 187-pound Franklin had 86 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Ducks with Nix as his QB last season.
"They are very catchable,'' Franklin said of the type of ball Nix typically throws. "He makes the receiver's job easier. That is my guy right there."
The Broncos gave up their 121st overall selection in the fourth round, 136th pick in the fifth round and pick No. 207 in the sixth round in exchange for moving up 19 spots to nab the receiver Bo well knows. The Broncos also received a 7th-round pick, No. 235, back from Seattle. It's a decent haul for the Seahawks, but after nearly taking Franklin with their third-round selection on Friday, the Broncos didn't hesitate to give up what it took for Franklin.
Seattle had initially acquired pick No. 102 in a swap with Washington that was part of the Seahawks' acquisition of quarterback Sam Howell from Washington. The Broncos had also tried to acquire Howell but they were outbid in terms of draft picks by Seattle -- who essentially surrendered late, third-round value (No. 96 overall) for the quarterback.
Franklin was a nice consolation prize at No. 102.
"Just feeling the joy,'' Franklin said. "I'm relaxed now, you know? Once I got my name called it was a blessed feeling. Man, I don't even know what to say right now. Just a dream come true. So glad somebody gave me the chance. The Broncos gave me a chance to go out there, showcase my talent and do whatever I need to do to help the team.
"And it's very great to be back with my guy who I played in college with."
Irving, by the way, was still available as the NFL Draft moved to the later part of the fourth round Saturday.
The Broncos later acquired three-year NFL starter Zach Wilson from the Jets after they missed out on Howell. The Broncos now have four draft picks remaining Saturday: No. 145 and 147 in the fifth round and No. 235 and No. 256 -- one away from Mr. Irrelevant -- in the seventh round.
Besides Nix and Franklin, the Broncos took Utah edge rusher Jonah Ellis with the No. 76 pick in the third round. That's where the Broncos considered taking Franklin, but whenever there is a tossup, the edge rusher position often prevails.
"I wasn't disappointed,'' Franklin said. "For me I just needed an opportunity to get in the NFL to show what I'm capable of doing. So for me that's all it takes. I just needed the opportunity the Broncos gave me and now it's time."
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