Drake London reveals two wide receivers he models his game after
Atlanta got the wide receiver ball rolling in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting USC‘s Drake London with the eighth overall pick. Needing some reinforcements at the position to begin their mini rebuilding process, London will be a top deep threat within the franchise for years to come.
Of course, London attempted to model his game after a few receivers growing up, naming two of the best to do so throughout this generation — Mike Evans and Calvin Johnson. Both are considered bigger-bodied receivers as well but still make plays down the field in the blink of an eye. London had high remarks on Evans and Johnson during his introductory press conference.
“I started watching Mike Evans when he was at (Texas) A&M,” Jackson said. “From a young kid’s standpoint, I would say Calvin Johnson, Megatron. Somebody who I looked up to and, I mean, to me, he’s the best receiver to ever play. If you could play longer, he would be the best.”
London dived into Johnson a bit more, talking about which aspects of the Hall of Famer’s game he attempts to emulate. He said the versatility of Johnson was something special, being able to do just about everything you could ask of a wide receiver.
“He had every single tangible you could think of in a wide receiver,” said Jackson. “He’ll blow right past you, he’ll jump over you, he’ll catch it on an intermediate route and he’ll score. Honestly, he’d just manhandle you at the end of the day. That’s what I think I am trying to emulate and I am trying to get to.”
Atlanta has had good wide receivers over the years but after a few playoff runs, it’s a new era. If London is able to have anywhere near the ability of Evans or Johnson, the Falcons selected a home run prospect.
Drake London reveals what he can bring to Atlanta Falcons
London is ready to help set the tone for the Falcons heading into the future. During his press conference to formally introduce him as a member of the team, London reveals what he can add to the Atlanta Falcons culture.
“I would say intensity,” said London. “Would I consider myself a leader? Yes. But at the same time, I am a rookie. I have to go through all the ropes. Probably going to be carrying shoulder pads and helmets all the time, and you know rookie dinner and things like that. But I would definitely say in the future, I would like to be a leader.”
Atlanta has been looking to add weapons for Marcus Mariota and will be adding an elite pass catcher in London for the next four to five years. Between an injury and the 2020 season, London’s game total is low for a three-year starter. However, he still finished with an impressive 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns on 160 receptions in just 27 career games.