The Atlanta Falcons noticed a major change within the beginning lineup, with the departures of Julio Jones and Russell Gage and the suspension of Calvin Ridley leaving some acquainted faces.
Coming into the offseason, the Falcons wanted so as to add expertise to the receiver place. After signing Auden Tate, Damiere Byrd and KhaDarel Hodge, making ready Drake London and swapping him for Bryan Edwards, common supervisor Terry Fontenot created a aggressive reception room that provides the offense an opportunity to earn factors.
Based on ESPN, London would be the X issue of the falcons. The USC star is anticipated to slide right into a beginning place in week 1 and, together with his physique of 6-Four, 219 kilos, has the prospect to grow to be an explosive participant early in his NFL profession.
There is a cause the Falcons have been repeatedly tied to large receivers till the 2022 draft. They desperately wanted gamers to complement Kyle Pitts after dropping Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage within the final seasons. Drake London has been listed as a contested catch receiver, however that is not all he can do. He was the one large receiver within the 2022 draft class with the highest 5 in contested catches (19) and compelled missed tackles after catching (22) final season – and he did so in simply eight video games. – Ben Linsey of ESPN
Scroll to Proceed
London is more likely to play the position of “X” receiver in Atlanta’s assault, however head coach Arthur Smith usually strikes his weapons to maximise matches. London can play in and out, a trait that drew Smith to him within the pre-design course of.
“You see issues from the surface within the 2021 season,” Smith stated on draft night time. “Return to the 2020 season and watch it inside and it is arduous to beat down as a catch-and-run man who’s additionally tremendous aggressive.”
London and tight finish Kyle Pitts are able to type an interchangeable duo, giving Smith loads of choices to place his younger arms in favorable positions. The 20-year-old from London has already known as himself and Pitts “twin towers”.
London can be launched early and sometimes in Atlanta, as its catch vary and ball abilities enable it to defeat defenders without having an excessive amount of separation, and its physique after seize will create an additional meter.
For a Falcons group that’s not anticipated to compete by many, the influence of London as an “X issue” might not be mirrored within the win-loss column. Nevertheless, if he is ready to grow to be a transparent no 1 receiver, it raises the offensive to a brand new stage.
