Troy Franklin wasn’t invited to the Sweet 16.
In one of the biggest surprises of the first two days of the NFL Draft, Franklin is still available entering Saturday’s fourth round despite 16 receivers coming off the board so far.
Franklin tallied 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns at Oregon last season, which makes it a bit of a mystery as to why he remains available.
But he is not the only high-value player remaining when the draft resumes with pick No. 101 overall by the Panthers.
Here are The Post’s 10 best available players, including their initial ranking on The Post’s pre-draft Top 100 Big Board in parentheses:
1. WR Troy Franklin, Oregon, 6-2, 176 (35)
Catch-and-run weapon, especially on slants, who turns on the jets with the ball in his hands. Will draw safety help away from other receivers.
Totaled eight 40-yard catches and 14 touchdowns last season.
Some concentration and fail-to-secure-the-catch questionable drops.
2. CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State, 6-1, 189 (54)
Tampa is from St. Petersburg, Fla. Jams receivers at the line of scrimmage and uses long arms to get breakups, but deep speed is a concern. Takes some risks jumping routes.
“Gamer” who rarely comes off the field.
3. RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, 5-10, 210 (57)
Home-run hitter who can start and stop on a dime. Gaining 10 or more yards on 25.4 percent of carries last season, per NFL.com.
Breaks second-level tackles (averaged 4.35 yards after contact). Like many rookies, could struggle in pass protection.
4. S Jaden Hicks, Washington State, 6-2, 211 (58)
Striking force in the box, but can he keep pace downfield with NFL-caliber speed? Is he more of a smallish linebacker? On the quarterback in an instant when blitzing off the edge.
Aggressiveness can be used against him.
5. CB D.J. James, Auburn, 6-0, 175 (67)
Added a pre-draft carb-loading diet to ease concerns about rail-thin frame. Favorite of scouts who swear by tape.
Comfortable in man-to-man or zone coverage but not much experience inside, where his size could force him. Promising ball disruption.
6. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas, 6-4, 245 (69)
Plays like a big receiver who can gain separation with long strides. If he doesn’t, he boxes out defenders for contested catches.
Bottom line: Four career drops. Not ready for every-down blocking responsibilities. Core special-teamer.
7. WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina, 6-1, 193 (75)
Part of four different programs. Openness about “mental health” issues created high-profile fight against rigid NCAA for eligibility in 2023.
Long-striding go-route threat with 18 touchdowns in last games (at UNC and Kent State). Affected by bump-and-run coverage.
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8. LB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Clemson, 6-0, 228 (80)
Needs no introduction after his father’s Pro Bowl career with Eagles. Instinctual and powerful player who always is first on the scene.
Creates disruption as a blitzer. Always under control but concerns about his size and coverage ability.
9. CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri, 5-11, 179 (81)
Led SEC in passes defended (16), including four interceptions, last season. Scouts use the word “fluid” for his easy movement.
Gets handsy in tight spaces. Special teams return and coverage experience. Competitiveness pops in star matchups.
10. TE Jared Wiley, TCU, 6-6, 249 (82)
Scored eight touchdowns off of 47 catches last season. Good at finding soft spots in underneath coverage.
Needs to show better instincts after his route breaks down if he plays with a scrambling quarterback. Tools to be a good blocker.
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