Former Red Sox draft pick, current Falcons tight end eligible for Rule 5 Draft
During the 2019 MLB Draft, the Red Sox drafted two-sport athlete Feleipe Franks 947th overall in 31st round. Franks who played baseball in high school elected to continue his football career and played for both Florida and Arkansas in college.
Leading up to the 2019 football season, Franks received word that Boston was interested in selecting him in the upcoming MLB Draft. Shocked by their interest, Franks threw for the Red Sox. His fastball topped out at 94 mph during the workout.
Franks agreed to sign with the Red Sox for $40,000 despite wanting to continue his football playing career.
After going undrafted, Franks got his opportunity to make his NFL debut in 2021 at quarterback against the New England Patriots. His only pass was intercepted by Patriots safety Adrian Phillips.
The 24-year-old has since shifted from quarterback to tight end for the Falcons. His former Florida teammate now star Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts spoke highly of Franks moving to tight end.
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“Feleipe is an athlete, so I didn’t think it would be hard for him,” said Pitts. “I wouldn’t say it’s hard because he’s already making plays out there. He’s from the quarterback room, so he’s smarter than most tight ends are. I think he’s going to flourish.”
While Franks sticks with the NFL his baseball career is on hold.
Franks will obviously be left unprotected by the Red Sox for the Rule 5 Draft. As noted by SoxProspects.com, Boston will “reserve his baseball rights in the event he moves on from football down the line.”
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