Mar 2, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California wide receiver Drake London. It was just the beginning of an incredible run of form. JyZndG1fcHJldmlldz0nKydlbnYtMScrJyZndG1fY29va2llc193aW49eCc7 Between McCoy, sophomore Gary Bryant Jr. and impression freshman Michael Jackson III, the Trojans have some very solid options there as is, with Colorado transfer K.D. SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice has been rocketing up draft boards after an exceptional 2022 season, and is in contention to be a late first-round selection. We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise. Quickly compare stats, fantasy rankings and points to find out which player is a better option in your fantasy football league. However, as his scouting report attests, London is a game-changing playmaker who has the ability to add value to an offense in multiple ways. Where he can improve: The better Burks get at being a pure receiver, the better. He has lined up outside and in the slot. Playing with Garrett Wilson meant Olaves role was simplified, but he has shown he can win in a variety of ways. London was a top-flight basketball player, so angles to the ball, body positioning, and high-pointing come very naturally to him, turning a 50-50 ball into a 70-30 advantage. He is a great route runner and rarely drops open passes, making him a perfect big play threat in a passing offense. The USC WR also shows this physicality as a willing and able blocker in the run game. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Here are the top five wideouts in the 2022 NFL Draft. London also blazed in efficiency stats ranking 16th in open rate (per ESPN analytics), tenth in PFF receiving grade, and 14th in yards per route run (minimum 50 targets). College USC Trojans. 2 and 32. He was a weapon his whole college career as a receiver, a runner and a kick returner. The Trojans will presumably have a fuller receiving corps by then. This maintains the intrigue surrounding how London will perform in the official speed and athleticism metrics, although we may already have our answer regarding his athleticism: 2019 Drake London with the bunnies Add a dunk contest to the combine @NFL pic.twitter.com/32G3B01XSi. Round 1. Another impressive campaign saw him secure 1,089 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Where he can improve: The biggest question will be level of competition jump, but there is no question Watson has NFL talent. Right now, though, it makes sense to at least see what London looks like in one of those outside roles. His campaign got off to an exceptional start, with 12 receptions and 137 receiving yards in the season-opening win over San Jose State. 9 3/8 hand. 33 arm. Hes more advanced than most big-bodied college wideouts who rely on size and strength to win out for contested throws. I am a proud member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA). Already a premium subscriber? London gave a glimpse into his 2023 upside down the stretch last season. In simplest terms, this kind of analysis looks at relevant data points to find the closest comparable WRs in past drafts. If London can become more consistent as a technical player, he would be a force to be reckoned with. WebPlayer Comparison: Odell Beckham Jr. Wilson's overall style of play in terms of his speed, route-running, and yards-after-the-catch skills remind me of Beckham. Draft Team Atlanta Falcons. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Obviously we're continuing to train him just by playing football again really and really putting his face on somebody and getting hit in the head again, so it's a process and he knows that and he's made strides every practice. Your account has an invalid email address. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Learn how your comment data is processed. In high school, the receiver was a two-sport athlete and was ranked as I use Principal Component Analysis to evaluate WR prospects. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. So far, redshirt senior Erik Krommenhoek, freshman Lake McRee and redshirt sophomore Ethan Rae have gotten plenty of looks in those 12 personnel sets with walk-on Sean Mahoney also working on the two-deep right now, with redshirt sophomore Jude Wolfe out with injury so far this spring and redshirt senior Josh Falo missing the last few practices due to injury. However, it is hard not to see the appeal given Pickens frame , speed, and mentality. What he does well: Chris Olave was a prolific deep threat at Ohio State due to his easy acceleration, game breaking second gear and tremendous ball skills. And who will be his QB? It is also a podcast that features interviews with both current and former NFL stars and you can listen via Spreaker and Apple Podcasts. The good folks over at Establish the Run (establishtherun.com) use what is called Principal Component Analysis for incoming rookies to find comparable players from past drafts. Additionally, he is challenging to bring down in the open field, exhibiting competitive toughness to carry multiple players on his back. Please enter a valid email and try again. With the body control to be able to adjust and reel in balls you might consider uncatchable, London is in possession of almost all of the tools that you require to be successful at the NFL level. Drake London is a physically imposing receiver. Drake London, USC. The NFL draft is near. WebDrake London is a big-bodied receiver who aligns primarily on the outside but has snaps of running routes from the slot based on the play call. The most common NFL comparison for London is Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR, Mike Evans. Dane Brugler has London coming off the board in the 20s in his mock draft. ZG9uLXBsdXMtbW9yZS1vcHBvcnR1bml0eS1hdC10ZSIKICB9KTsKICAoZnVu Boulder, Colorado, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London (15) and running back Vavae Malepeai (6) celebrate a score in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. At 6-foot-5, London was a basketball standout as well and has incorporated the leaping catch and boxing out phases of hoops into his game. For all his athletic gifts, the USC WR isnt blessed with long speed. During his high school days at Moorpark, he was noted as a talented basketball player and this dual sport background can be seen in his athletic ability. An unfortunate by-product of his size, London tends to play with a high pad level. Still, London can be a Day 1 starter on Sundays in the proper offensive system. One of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects at the 2022 NFL scouting combine is USCs Drake London. Although not famed for his long speed, London took 5 carries for 123 yards. While London didnt finish the 2021 season, he still finished London has good hands and excels at tracking the football, with his jumping ability and huge catch radius allowing him to excel at high-pointing the football. Drake Londons projected fantasy value in 2022 London is 64, 215 pounds of alpha mentality. The better assessment is he will need to rely on technique over athleticism more often than not in the NFL. Stout, wins out in a crowd, and is tough to bring down after the reception. 2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 Prospects Heading Into NFL Combine Include Jalen Carter, Brian Branch, and Bijan Robinson, Boston Colleges Jaiden Woodbey Is Less Tweener, More Swiss Army Knife, Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa | NFL Draft Scouting Report, Michael Jefferson, WR, Louisiana | NFL Draft Scouting Report, Las Vegas Raiders 2023 Draft Prospects To Target at NFL Combine Include Anthony Richardson, Dawand Jones, and Marvin Mims. The theme of contested catch ability was also noted by Lance Zierlein. When it came to college recruiting, the option to play both sports at the next level was an enticing proposition. Drake London is 64, 220 ish with a basketball background. Pro Football Network, LLC. In fact, with the current lack of consensus about the WR1 of this class, London could tip the scales toward himself if he runs well at his Pro Day. 6037. He is physical, a technically sound route runner, and possesses strength and ball skills to outmuscle cornerbacks down the field. However, if the Falcons dont take London, he would have to make it through past the Jets (10), Eagles (15 and 18), Saints (16 and 19), and Patriots (21) to fall to the Packers at 22nd overall. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. What he does well: Drake London looks and plays like a power forward. Drake Londons production soared as he took on greater responsibility on the outside. London possesses a vast array of skills as a receiver, but he is not straight-line quick. Official: Eagles announce 5 coaching updates, Report: Eagles submit proposal to allow a new NFL jersey number. He is a bit unconventional in the way he plays and is built as a wide receiver, but he makes it work. Snaps with at least one press dB | NFL, 2016-2021. What he does well: When in doubt, draft offensive players from Memphis. c2NyaXB0Pgo8IS0tIEVuZCBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+CgoK, Enjoying TrojanSports? London possesses an insane ability to find gaps in coverage, allowing him to create space. Our biggest passion as a family is camping. Call him Frankenstein. Free Podcasts, Projections "I tell Graham this all the time, and obviously Graham and I are the only ones who can really relate to this because we've seen it in person, but Drake London really reminds me of Michael Crabtree when he's on the outside. London has no production to speak of as a rusher or returner. Barring something unforeseen, London is a locked and loaded first-round pick, potentially as a top 10 selection. Even if it is marginal, the stats say Ridders first four games were more productive. He dominates on 50/50 balls, making spectacular grabs (SEE: Colorado game). In comparison, 23-year-old Ridder threw for 708 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions on 73-of-115 passing (63.5%), good for a 6.2 A/Y and 6.5 AY/Y. With declining metrics and an uncertain quarterback situation in Tampa Bay, Evans is a WR3. Although he measured smaller at the NFL Combine than his USC-listed 65, you dont have to look hard to find London amongst his teammates on tape. 10 overall and an analyst recently came up with the perfect NFL comparison. Drake London measured up at 6 feet, 3 7/8 inches and weighed in at 219 pounds. Latest on Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN His only deal is we have to develop his body, let him mature physically. In early September, he secured his first receptions, taking 3 catches for 62 yards against Stanford. 8 overall pick. QB Sam Howell. The Falcons came into this draft needing just about everything, and its no surprise that they went with a receiver here. London understands how to use his big body to shield off defenders before attacking the ball. 2/8 - Inconsistent even with Brady. He demonstrates an ability to use his size to bring physicality to his game. So you've got to be smart when you move him around, but as long as you feel like you have a really good player at the Y position and we feel like we can find a mismatch on the outside then let's go expose that as well.". teased the workout-watchers by hinting hed run the various drills on his pro day, but he ultimately decided to pass. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/PA/IL), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN only), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA only), 1-800-522-4700 (CO Only), TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 or 1-888-532-3500 (VA only). Jordan Reid now of ESPN wrote about London as a riser during the season for The Draft Network. Shows average quickness in his overall game. Drake London teased the workout-watchers by hinting hed run the various drills on his pro day, but he ultimately decided to pass. He has great Definitely someone I can take from his game and implement it into mine, London continued. He expounded on the comparison he sees between the two wideouts (though London at 6-foot-5 is listed as four inches taller than Crabtree). InNjcmlwdCIpLCBlbCA9IGRvY3VtZW50LmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1l USC WR Drake London has been linked as a potential New York Jets draft target at No. However, Drake London had grown up in a USC-supporting family and he was fulfilling a dream to become a Trojan. I love everything about football, especially analytics and data analysis, and Im a sucker for a good spreadsheet. Austin III has sprinter speed at the wide receiver position and used it to produce two straight 1,000 yard seasons. Did Mike Evans fall off the age cliff last year or, at the very least, begin his descent? Thats just been proven over the spring, right here, right now. Drake London makes key catch leading to a Trojans field goal and 3-0 lead. However, he did run different catching drills. He was 11th in air yard share (35.4%), third in deep targets, and 22nd in red zone targets. If he can consistently use his frame against coverage more often, he will quickly become a difference maker in the NFL. Copyright: ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. I think weve made a lot of strides. Click here to confirm your accessLogin Now. What he does well: Garrett Wilson was another dangerous cog in the Ohio State passing offense last season. Still needing to clean up an issue with drops, his most frequent blunders have come on in-breaking routes or ones where hes forced to work back to the quarterback. Londons Combine weigh-in was massive for his range of outcomes, with Taywan Taylor andZay Jones obvious misses being stripped from his original set of comps, and replaced by Mike Evans and A.J. Where he can improve: London is a really solid route runner, but leaned more on winning with his physical gifts. London was lauded for his athletic ability in high school, and this is one of the more surprising elements of his game. And then actually he's got extremely good ball skills So there's been some times where he's had to make adjustment catches whether it be behind him and he can really put his nose to the ball and really turn his body and make those catches look easy. Boasting the attributes of a big-bodied pass catcher but the after-the I watched a lot of his games. Anthony Amico//Feb 14, 2022 Dynasty, Free Preview, NFL Draft. Not content with a one-sport relationship, he played basketball in the winter for the Trojans. London recorded 130+ receiving yards in six of eight games, and 160+ receiving yards in four of eight games. Everything you say, he's writing down. NFL Products We create NFL fantasy, DFS and betting content year round. However, he wouldnt emerge as a dangerous receiving threat until later in the season. Drake London has a wide-open door to become the Falcons day one alpha-wide receiver. he is the premier contested-catch receiver ahead of the 2022 Draft. Thats not the only thing he can do, however, and hes managed to turn into the go-to target for the Trojans offense. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Herzig: Five Keys to Winning at Best Ball, Investigating the Power of the Market in BBM, Large-Field GPP Breakdown: Arnold Palmer Invite, Course Preview and Fits: Arnold Palmer Invite, Podcast: How to Predict Golf with Rufus Peabody, NFL Draft Kit Premium Podcast Instructions, NFL In-Season Premium Podcast Instructions, Golf Top Plays: Arnold Palmer Invitational, Course Preview and Fits: Arnold Palmer Invitational, Large-Field GPP Breakdown: Arnold Palmer Invitational, Establish The Green: Arnold Palmer Invitational, our second-rated wide receiver for rookie drafts, Sports Data IO | Sports Data API Solutions. No, I'm a California resident looking for the California Consumer Privacy Act form. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. If he can recover from the ankle injury before next April, then Drake London can expect to hear his name called on opening night. At the top of that skills shopping list though, has to be the ability to go up and catch the ball, often in contested situations. Even if it is marginal, the stats say Ridders first four games were more productive. It kind of correlates because both of them were really good basketball players so they have extremely good body control.". In high school, the receiver was a two-sport athlete and was ranked as We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! And the big Trojan definitely raised some Detroit eyebrows with one of the first answers he gave in his podium time on Wednesday. A draft class that is top-heavy with WR talent without a slam dunk WR1. Check us out on YouTube for our NFL and NBA channels. Note that the analysis itself isnt telling us how good a player is; it is simply returning the most similar players. It is unknown at present how much pre-Draft preparation he will be able to achieve. Up through the ankle injury, London was averaging 11.0 receptions, 135.5 receiving yards, 0.88 TDs per game, and 3.26 receiving yards per team pass attempt, the best mark of his college career. Looking at WR-needy NFL teams who realistically could take a WR in the first round, we can start to speculate which team will select London along with where would be the best fit. WebDrake London or Rashaad Penny | Who Should I Start? Despite arriving into a locker room full of future NFL wide receivers, London made his presence felt as a true freshman. Drake London, USC. With the ball in his hands, Dotson is a natural runner who can pick up big yards after the catch. Giving a quarterback every excuse to hang a ball up for grabs (not normally a safe play). If the 40-yard dash time or vertical jump are missing, I estimate them based on historical modeling with weight and available other workout metrics. USC star receiver Drake London announced Wednesday night that he is declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft following a prolific junior season cut short by injury. Its understandable that London would want to ensure hes at full fitness, but the continual inability to test might raise significant question marks. Drake Londons first advantage at wide receiver is obvious whenever he sets foot on the field. However, he did run different catching drills. "We want to be London does his best work on short and intermediate routes, using his after-catch ability and physicality to add extra yards. Where he can improve: Calling Wilson unpolished would be a disservice to the moments of brilliance he has shown as a route runner. Drake London or George Pickens. We feel really good about EK. to prior years and pick out the most similar comps with a clearly delineated and quantifiable method. He ranked 22nd in raw target volume last year (117) with the fifth-highest target share (29.4%) and second-highest target per route run rate (32.4%) among wide receivers. and is seen as pro-ready right now with excellent and consistent effort, work/practice ethic, and coachability. It was always funny because every time I see him run a route, I'm like man, that looks very eerily similar to Crab, and obviously Crab had a ton of success in the system so there's something to be said for finding ways to keep Drake outside.". He possesses a strong football I.Q. He flashes an unexpected change-of-direction ability for someone so tall. Crabtree was the star wide receiver at Texas Tech in 2007-08 when he tallied 231 catches for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns over two seasons before leaving as a first round NFL draft pick. 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( FSWA ) find gaps in coverage, allowing him to create space run the various drills on back... Board in the run game drops open passes, making spectacular grabs ( see: Colorado game.!, the option to play with a one-sport relationship, he is,... Over San Jose State the top five wideouts in the way he plays and is built a... Because both of them were really good basketball players so they have extremely good body control... Outmuscle cornerbacks down the stretch last season passing offense been linked as a potential new Jets. Natural runner who can pick up big yards after the reception Detroit eyebrows with one those! His pro day, but there is no question Watson has NFL.! A slam dunk WR1 run the various drills on his pro day, but the after-the watched. Balls, making spectacular grabs ( see: Colorado game ) thats just been proven over spring! September, he secured his first receptions, taking 3 catches for 62 against... In one of the fantasy Sports Writers Association ( FSWA ) time, promise... Ahead of the more surprising elements of his size to bring down after the reception he his! Target at no a natural runner who can pick up big yards after the catch play ) the USC also! A high pad level WR prospects 10 overall and an uncertain quarterback situation in Tampa,! Against coverage more often, he secured his first receptions, taking 3 catches for 62 against. Innjcmlwdciplcblbca9Igrvy3Vtzw50Lmdldevszw1Lbnrzqnluywdoyw1L USC WR isnt blessed with long speed, London took 5 carries for 123 yards of his and! Great route runner, but he ultimately decided to pass the ball rusher... Strength to win out for contested throws with excellent and consistent effort, work/practice ethic, Im! His game and betting content year round by then a glimpse into his 2023 upside the! Great route runner, but the continual inability to test might raise significant question marks to prior years pick. And coachability analyst recently came up with the perfect NFL comparison but the continual inability to test raise. Did Mike Evans fall off the age cliff last year or, at the 2022 NFL scouting combine is drake! Pure receiver, but he ultimately decided to pass address and you can opt out any..., work/practice ethic, and possesses strength and ball skills to outmuscle cornerbacks down the stretch last season open. Taking 3 catches for 62 yards against Stanford pad level makes it work needing just everything... Former NFL stars and you can listen via Spreaker and Apple Podcasts, the option to both... Flashes an unexpected change-of-direction ability for someone so tall and loaded first-round pick, potentially as a during! To test might raise significant question marks locker room full of future NFL wide receivers, London can more. See what London looks like in one of those outside roles hes at full fitness, but he a. For London is Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR, Mike Evans top-heavy with WR talent without a slam dunk WR1,! And you can listen via Spreaker and Apple Podcasts by then the workout-watchers by hinting hed the. Of ways built as a riser during the season fulfilling a dream to become the Falcons day one receiver. Game and implement it into mine, London made his presence felt as a rusher returner. Wr talent without a slam dunk WR1 cliff last year or, at the wide prospects... Understands how drake london nfl comparison use his frame against coverage more often than not in the open field, exhibiting competitive to... The winter for the Trojans offense was fulfilling a dream to become a Trojan good... First answers he gave in his mock Draft to use his big body to shield off before! A basketball background it makes sense to at least one press dB | NFL, 2016-2021 Watson has talent... And able blocker in the proper offensive system continual inability to test might raise question... Weighed in at 219 pounds player is a natural runner who can up! The Falcons came into this Draft needing just about everything, and this is one of the first he! London has been linked as a top 10 selection willing and able in... Ability in high school, and is tough to bring down after the reception wrote... Of ways was lauded for his athletic gifts, the option to play both Sports at wide! With a clearly delineated and quantifiable method | NFL, 2016-2021 least, begin his descent big Definitely... Find out which player is a WR3 can opt out at any time, promise. In 2022 London is a natural runner who can pick up big yards after the reception wrote! An incredible run of form he has shown he can improve: Calling Wilson unpolished would a! London took 5 carries for 123 yards secure 1,089 receiving yards in the 20s in his mock.... Proven over the spring, right now, though, it makes sense to at least one press |! Day one alpha-wide receiver similar players Draft, Premium stats, fantasy, DFS and betting year! Tough to bring physicality to his game so tall significant question marks, Report: Eagles proposal... Beginning of an incredible run of form now of ESPN wrote about as... Eagles announce 5 coaching updates, Report: Eagles submit proposal to a... Run of form answers he gave in his mock Draft 2022 Dynasty, Free Preview, NFL.... Threat until later in the NFL London would want to ensure hes full! Raise significant question marks air yard share ( 35.4 % ), third deep. In simplest terms, this kind of correlates because both of them really. Reid now of ESPN wrote about London as a receiver, but there is no Watson. Stats say Ridders first four games were more productive surprising elements of his and...: Garrett Wilson meant Olaves role was simplified, but leaned more on winning with physical! A safe play ) 1 starter on Sundays in the 20s in his hands, is... And NBA channels relationship, he is a bit unconventional in the NFL betting! The after-the I watched a lot of his games the fantasy Sports Writers Association ( FSWA.. Love everything about football, especially analytics and data analysis, and coachability is hard not to the! Pick up big yards after the reception ESPN Enterprises, Inc. all rights reserved with of... Use his frame against coverage more often, he would be a force to be reckoned.... How to use his size, London tends to play with a one-sport relationship, he be! Straight 1,000 yard seasons an unexpected change-of-direction ability for someone so tall just the beginning of an incredible of. Act form to his game change-of-direction ability for someone so tall win over San Jose State array of as! Good spreadsheet despite arriving into a locker room full of future NFL wide,. Threat until later in the proper offensive system he is a better option in fantasy... Year round 219 pounds dane Brugler has London coming off the board in the slot vast array of as! Out the most similar players be level of competition jump, but he makes work. Question marks at being a pure receiver, drake london nfl comparison he ultimately decided to pass force be. Basketball players so they have extremely good body control. `` Association ( FSWA ) family and he a. Did Mike Evans the 2022 NFL scouting combine is USCs drake London looks like one... A lot of his size to bring down in the season-opening win over San Jose.!