Kofi Inkoom
Derrick Henry received the handoff on a crucial 4th-and-1, but upon entering the line of scrimmage, he was met with resistance that caused him to stumble backward.
In this confrontation, Zaire Franklin, in tandem with DeForest Buckner, executed a coordinated effort to prevent Henry from reaching the first down marker.
Franklin’s remarkable consistency is evident as he continues to lead the NFL in tackles, accumulating 69 tackles in just five weeks.
He’s surpassing his performance from the previous year when he established a Colts franchise tackle record with 167.
At this current pace, he’s on track to exceed 100 tackles by Halloween, with a potential to set the NFL’s single-season tackle record by more than 35 tackles.
Notably, he boldly asserted, “I think I’m the best linebacker in the league.”
However, this is a significant claim, especially in a league populated by renowned linebackers like Fred Warner, LaVonte David, Roquan Smith, and Matt Milano, who possess extensive track records and accolades, including Pro Bowl and All-Pro distinctions.
Franklin, despite being a sixth-year player, is only five games into his second season as a full-time starter. This speaks volumes about his rapid ascent.
Franklin’s journey commenced as a seventh-round selection from Syracuse in the 2018 NFL draft.
He was even the second linebacker drafted by the Colts in that round, following Matt Adams.
Remarkably, 24 different stand-up linebackers were chosen before him that year.
Franklin has always recognized the challenges he faced as a seventh-round pick, acknowledging that his NFL journey could have taken a different path, involving moving between teams and enduring various hardships.
Early in his career, Franklin established a connection with then-Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, finding his niche.
While he played 80% of special teams snaps by his second season, his role as a linebacker in the base defense was limited, never exceeding 18% of total snaps during his first four seasons. He persisted through these challenges despite facing multiple obstacles.
Despite his efforts, Franklin couldn’t secure a prominent role in Matt Eberflus’ defense, which boasted instant star Shaquille Leonard from the 2018 draft.
Franklin found himself overshadowed by Leonard, Anthony Walker, and Bobby Okereke in those early seasons.
However, Franklin’s journey took an intriguing turn in the spring of 2022 when he became a free agent, intending to explore new opportunities.
The arrival of Gus Bradley as the Colts’ defensive coordinator marked a pivotal moment.
Bradley’s linebackers coach, Richard Smith, noticed Franklin’s potential and realized he was too valuable to lose, despite being a free agent. Smith appreciated Franklin’s possession of all the desirable qualities of a linebacker.
As a result, the Colts reacquired Franklin for a three-year deal worth $10 million. Initially expected to continue playing special teams and serve as the team’s third linebacker behind Leonard and Okereke, Franklin’s fortunes changed when Leonard required back surgery.
An opportunity emerged, and Franklin seized it, reminiscent of his determined tackle against Henry in that crucial moment. He earned his spot tackle by tackle and more.
Today, Zaire Franklin stands out as one of the NFL’s most outstanding bargains, ranking as the 35th-highest-paid outside linebacker, despite making just $21,437 per tackle last year.