The first wideout is off the board. The Falcons have selected USC wideout Drake London with the No. 8 pick.
The young wide receiver is undoubtedly talented. Despite playing in only eight games this year, London led his team in every receiving statistic, reeling in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. The next-closest receiver on the team had 54 catches for 602 yards through 12 games.
London’s season came to an early end when he suffered a fractured ankle in late October. He underwent surgery but, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller, there was no ligament damage in the ankle. At the time of his injury, London was widely considered a top wide receiver in college football. Before he missed any time, he led the NCAA in receiving yards, contested catches (19), and missed tackles (22) and was the highest-graded receiver, according to Pro Football Focus. So, while the numbers might not be there, there’s a reason why London was the first wideout off the board.
The Falcons offense will look a lot different next season with Matt Ryan no longer in Atlanta. Veteran Marcus Mariota will replace him under center, and London should instantly be one of his preferred targets, especially with Calvin Ridley suspended. The Falcons used their 2021 first-round pick on tight end Kyle Pitts, and the offensive weapons should highlight Atlanta’s offense for years to come (despite uncertainty at the QB position).
More must-reads: