2022 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper compares Drake London to elite NFL receivers
ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has updated his projections with a two-round mock draft just over two weeks away from the start of the anticipated event. Former USC wide receiver Drake London has emerged as a co-favorite at the position alongside Ohio State star Garrett Wilson and could land inside the top 10.
During the ESPN mock draft special, Mel Kiper broke down which elite NFL wide receivers Drake London compares to entering his professional career.
“You think about where we are now with Drake London, coming back from the injury in late October,” said Kiper. “He’s got the length, he’s got a little DeAndre Hopkins in him, Mike Evans. You say, ‘well he doesn’t get separation, in the NFL they’re going to be in his hip pocket.’ How many cornerbacks are his size and have his catch radius and can deal with him? Either college or NFL, he’s going to be a factor.
“They need that guys for Zach Wilson, they need a receiver like Drake London. If you get the defensive player early, whether its (Ahmad) Gardner or (Kayvon) Thibodeaux, you come back with a receiver and Drake London at No. 10.
Drake London is the biggest of the projected first round wide receivers, making him an interesting fit with the Jets who already have several smaller options to provide speed and quickness.
Over three seasons, London had 2,153 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on 160 receptions. He had a breakout year with the Trojans before suffering an injury which held him out of the final games.
Mel Kiper releases mock draft
Mel Kiper has released a brand new two-round mock draft two weeks before the 2022 NFL Draft. As the highly-anticipated event inches closer, Kiper is putting his updated predictions out into the world.
Prior to getting into the meat and potatoes, Kiper explained his process for creating his latest mock draft.
“I’m projecting these 64 picks based on a combination of my updated rankings, team needs and what I’m hearing from execs, scouts and coaches in the league,” wrote Kiper. “For the second round, in particular, so much could change between now and when teams are on the clock, so I’m using my Big Board as a guide on value.”
In addition to Drake London, Mel Kiper has the New York Jets selecting Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 4. He also mocks a trade for the team to get back into the first round with a third pick, taking Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum at No. 31.