How good can Colts LB Zaire Franklin be?

The Colts drafted a young linebacker in the 7th round. They needed some help at the linebacker position, and took a flyer on a 7th rounder from Syracuse. How good can young Franklin be?

Most 7th rounders don’t make the roster. But that wasn’t the case for Zaire Franklin. He made the Colts roster and played pretty well in the preseason. Even though he is a 7th rounder, he has shown good potential. Just how good could he end up being?

Franklin has played in all three games for the Colts so far. He hasn’t put up monster stats, but his presence has been felt. He has good instincts and can find himself near the ball a lot. But as a 7th rounder, can he find enough playing time to make a difference?

Franklin will have to fight to find playing time, but the opportunity is there. Two of the three linebacker spots can be had, save for Darius Leonard‘s spot. If Franklin can continue to improve his skills, he might be able to conjure up playing time.

Ultimately, there is a reason he was only a 7th round pick. His ceiling just isn’t that high. He doesn’t have the athletic ability to cover well in space. He does have a drive and a high motor, but sometimes that just isn’t enough.

Franklin has already proved some people wrong by just staying on the roster. But he might keep proving people wrong as a Colt. The Colts would like nothing more than to see their 7th round pick blossom into a useful player. They will give him every opportunity to do so.