Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has sparked considerable debate in the past few years.
As a player, he turned into a success narrative for the Colts. Selected in the seventh round of the 2018 draft, he eventually emerged as a key player on special teams and ultimately served as a team captain. In 2022, after Shaquille Leonard had back surgery that limited his availability, Franklin seized the opportunity to start and went on to break the franchise’s record for tackles in a single season.
There is no question that, as a player, he has exceeded his draft status, despite a few flaws in his game. Nonetheless, those flaws on the field and his unfiltered demeanor outside of it have led some outsiders to misjudge his value as a player.
In 2024, Franklin received his first Pro Bowl selection and was also honored as a Second-Team All-Pro for the first time. Numerous discussions have arisen regarding the legitimacy of those elections, yet generally, Franklin is considered as one of the more effective and accomplished linebackers in the NFL.
Due to this, it was rather shocking to find Franklin placed as low as 27th in Pro Football Focus’ most recent NFL linebacker rankings.
“According to Mason Cameron, Franklin remains a tackling powerhouse, achieving an impressive total of over 500 tackles in the last three seasons.” Nonetheless, he is significantly hindered by a high percentage of negatively assessed run snaps (14% since 2022) and below-average PFF coverage ratings. Reducing errors in 2025 could elevate his status beyond merely being a tackler.
Critiques of Franklin’s gameplay are justified. He certainly has room for improvement in his missed tackle statistics (11.6% MT rate in 2024) — there are instances where he sincerely fails to stop the ball carrier or isn’t near the ball — and he could also enhance his coverage skills, but to suggest that he’s “only a tackler” is unjust and demands more than simply looking at his PFF numbers.
Indeed, Franklin recorded a significant number of tackles — his 173 topped the league in 2024 — and he was also tied for the highest number of forced fumbles in the NFL with five, generating turnovers and being the most crucial action on defense. He recorded a career-best 3.5 sacks, with two occurring on third downs during Colts victories.
Since stepping into a full-time starter role three years back, Franklin’s statistics have been impressive, averaging 173.0 tackles (8.7 for loss), 2.7 sacks, 4.3 QB hits, 3.0 forced fumbles, and 6.0 pass breakups each season, along with achieving the first two interceptions of his career in 2024.
During this period, he has only missed one game due to a knee injury that troubled him in 2023, causing a decline in some of his non-tackle stats, even though he was on track for a significantly higher tackle total.
Tackling was undoubtedly the primary skill Franklin excelled in during his career, but other aspects of his game are gradually developing too. He has improved at recognizing elements in coverage, which has enabled him to be in a better position. Last year, he credited this to watching film and increased communication prior to and during games.
The 2025 season presents a significant chance for the current Pro Bowler to demonstrate he is beyond “merely a tackler.”