2022 NFL Draft: Grading Falcons’ No. 8 pick of Drake London

The Atlanta Falcons select Drake London with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. What grade does this selection earn?

Everyone likes a good buffet. Whether it be Chinese, Soul Food, or Mexican, everyone loves the variety a buffet gives you when you are hungry and don’t quite know what you want to eat because you can get what you want.

The wide receiver class this year is just like a buffet. There is so much variety; all you need to know is what you prefer. You have a Chris Olave or Garrett Wilson if you want a speed guy. You have Treylon Burks or Atlanta’s pick, Drake London if you want a big physical receiver.

London is a physical marvel who has a ridiculous catch radius. He’s the type of receiver NFL quarterbacks want. You have to throw the football in his vicinity, and he’ll likely come down with the football.

The USC product is not a burner, but he has lots of polish as a route runner with great get-off at the line of scrimmage, which helps him create separation without sprinter speed. Let’s be clear, though, London is solid after the catch and can run away from people.

How Drake London fits in Atlanta

London immediately gives the Falcons an additional red-zone threat alongside tight end Kyle Pitts. He also has all of the tools to become a number one receiver. You like that he is a former basketball player with ideal size and supreme leaping ability.

Also, London is fantastic at putting space between himself, the ball, and the defender. If Marcus Mariota plays well, this could be an excellent move for the Falcons.

Grade: B+