Drake London reveals how partnering with Kyle Pitts will elevate Falcons offense
The Atlanta Falcons have added two dynamic offensive weapons over the previous two drafts. In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected former Florida Gators tight end Kyle Pitts. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London. Together, Pitts and London give the Falcons a physical and dynamic duo on the offensive side of the ball.
After his selection in last month’s draft, London opened up on the idea of playing alongside Pitts, who just wrapped up his rookie season in the NFL. London is excited about the future, and the two should be in line for major roles right away next season.
“I think it’s gonna be fun,” London said of playing with Pitts. “It’s gonna be something special. I think once I meet him and we get to know each other, I think we’re going to elevate each other in great ways.”
As a rookie, Pitts suited up in all 17 games for the Falcons. He was targeted 110 times in the Atlanta offense, hauling in 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, averaging 15.1 yards per catch.
At USC, London was a 30-reception, 500-yard receiver for his first two seasons in 2019 and 2020. This past season, though, he played himself into a bigger role, bringing in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. In his three-year collegiate career, London caught 160 passes for 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 13.5 yards per reception.
Pitts, London will likely be focal points in the Falcons offense
When Pitts and London take the field together in the regular season, they will be doing so on a drastically different looking Falcons offense. At quarterback, Matt Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts while Marcus Mariota was signed in free agency and Desmond Ridder was taken in the draft.
Cordarrelle Patterson remains at running back, and he will likely see a big role in the passing game, too. At receiver, things look completely different in Atlanta. Calvin Ridley will miss the 2022 season due to a year-long suspension, and Russell Gage left in free agency. The Falcons brought in Bryan Edwards, Auden Tate, and Damiere Byrd, while Olamide Zaccheaus returns at the position.
With a lot of uncertainty and no proven pieces, Pitts and London will likely be heavily relied upon throughout the season. The two provide a physically imposing duo in the passing game, and could create problems for opponents across the league.