Sam Franklin Jr.

Franklin earns his place through energy, coverage teams and being prepared for safety snaps when the game needs him. That reliable third-phase value matters on a roster full of flexible defensive backs.

Strengths: Special-teams value, experience, effort, roster reliability and safety depth.

Weaknesses: Limited route to major defensive volume behind Buffalo's primary safety options.

Franklin is the kind of defender coaches like dressing because he brings energy to several jobs. He has safety size, a linebacker temperament and the special-teams mindset to help every week even without a big defensive snap count. Buffalo giving him three years says the value is real. A six fits: he is sturdy, versatile depth with a chance to fill in, but not a player whose current résumé demands a featured coverage role.

Strengths: He is physical, long for a safety and experienced on special teams. Franklin can tackle, cover kicks and move around the secondary without forcing Buffalo to carry a specialist for every contingency.

Weaknesses: He has not established himself as a consistent full-time safety starter. His aggressive run-first style can create coverage limitations against quick slot receivers and complex route combinations.