STRENGTHS - Franklin is a smooth athlete that can make precise cuts and flashes good short area quickness once out in space. He patiently sets up blocks and is quick to attack lanes once they open. He does a good job of plucking the ball away from his frame and is quick to turn up-field and attack after the catch. He's a highly competitive blocker that attacks his man at the LOS and uses his hands well while maintaining proper base and leverage.
WEAKNESSES - While Franklin is a fluid athlete, he lacks the explosive speed needed to consistently get through holes before they close or take the edge. He is not an aggressive runner between the tackles when he doesn't have an open lane and tends to get bogged down at the LOS. He struggles to run through contact and does not break tackles if not at full speed.
SUMMARY - Johnathan Franklin may lack the speed and power to be a feature back at the next level, but his abilities on third down will certainly peak the interest of NFL teams. In pass protection he does an excellent job of identifying his target and attacking him at the LOS with proper base and leverage. He shuffles his feet well to sustain blocks and is also effective at cutting the late man. As a receiver he displays natural hands and consistently catches the ball and turns up-field in one motion without breaking stride. Franklin is likely to be a day three pick because of his lack of strength inside and inability to consistently break arm tackles, but with today's NFL being so specialized, he should enjoy a solid career as a third down and change of pace back.