Summary

John Franklin‑Myers was drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Round 4, (pick 125) out of Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. Franklin-Meyers is a high‑effort, physical edge rusher who brings strength, relentlessness, and disruptive ability to the defensive front. His best value comes when he’s allowed to attack off the snap, use his power to collapse the pocket or push the line of scrimmage, and rotate into favorable match‑ups. He’s matured into a reliable starter—especially evident in his 2024 season with the Broncos.

However, he's not necessarily the most explosive athlete on the edge, and his move‑set and run‑defense consistency are still areas for refinement. He may not yet carry the “elite” label reserved for the very top edge rushers, but his floor is strong and his impact is real.

Strengths

• Effort, physicality & motor: Franklin‑Myers is consistently noted for his relentless motor and physical play style. He himself said, “I play with an effort and physicality that people just aren’t willing to match.” Denver Broncos

• Pass‑rush production and pocket‑push ability: In his first season with Denver (2024) he posted a career‑best year—7 sacks, strong pressure rates—and made a significant impact up front. Mile High Report

• Strength at the point of attack & ability to hold ground: He is capable of sustaining blocks, anchoring inside on some downs, and generating disruption rather than just speed moves. Mile High Report

• Versatility in alignment: He is effective playing both inside and outside in various front looks, which gives his team flexibility in how they deploy him. Denver Broncos

Weaknesses

• Athleticism and burst are average for elite edge rushers: Early scouting reports noted that while his power and effort are strong, his lateral agility and elite edge‑bend aren’t among the top tier. “Average lateral agility … doesn’t wow with his athleticism or length.” Bleacher Report

• Run‑defense and consistency inside need improvement: While he improved in Denver, some metrics show that his run‑defense grade (e.g., 58.2 in 2024) ranked comparatively lower among interior linemen. Mile High Report

• Ceiling tied to scheme and role: Some evaluators see him more as a high‑impact rotational piece or specialist rather than a dominant every‑down edge rusher unless his pass‑rush move‑set continues to expand. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:
  Franklin‑Myers fits best in a front that uses versatile linemen, mixes inside/outside roles, and rotates players to keep fresh. The Broncos saw his fit as key when they traded for him, noting his ability to play “all down the line of scrimmage.” ESPN.com In a scheme that emphasizes physicality, gap‑control, and penetrating the backfield, he is an excellent fit.

• Outlook:

• Short‑Term: He is expected to remain a key starter for Denver, likely posting double‑digit pressures and contributing significantly to the pass rush. Mile High Report

• Medium‑Term: With continued improvement in his refinement (technique, counters, run‑soundness), he could solidify himself as one of the quieter but very effective edge defenders in the league.