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Zaire Franklin 2024 Outlook: A Tackle Premium Superstar
6 months agoA relative no-name going into the 2021 season, Franklin saw just four career starts in his first three seasons. That all changed when Shaquille Leonard began his sudden and precipitous drop-off in play and health. Once Leonard ceded the lead role to Franklin in 2022, his protégé became one of the more consistent players in IDP. The Syracuse product has averaged 173 total tackles over the past two seasons, finishing fourth in the NFL in that category two years ago and second last year. He's equally prolific in solo tackles, also placing fourth and second in that category over the past two seasons. While Franklin doesn't fill the stat sheet with many sacks or forced turnovers, his elite tackle production was enough to make him LB2 in fantasy points per game last season in Standard IDP Scoring leagues. While E.J. Speed is an ascending talent, there is no threat to Franklin's playing time or role on the Indianapolis roster. Age is also no concern, as he is entering his age 28 season. With that in mind, Franklin should be the second LB off the board in Standard or Tackle Premium Scoring formats.
