The Falcons wasted a career day from Drake London on Sunday.
Atlanta fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who now own sole possession of first place in the NFC South, even though the club’s 2022 first-round pick put up 172 yards on 10 catches, both career highs.
The Falcons second-year pass catcher is showing exactly what the front office and coaching staff saw in him at USC. In particular, London’s adjustment on a 50/50 ball in the fourth quarter on a would-be game-winning touchdown was spectacular.
What an adjustment in the air and catch by Drake London pic.twitter.com/HUjRwUoz4a
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) December 11, 2023
Drake London broke the franchise record for receptions by a rookie last year while dealing with inconsistent and poor quarterback play. He put up nearly 900 yards on 72 receptions, catching passes from a current backup in Marcus Mariota and a rookie third-rounder in Desmond Ridder
Though the new regime hasn’t had a ton of success drafting and developing players, especially from their first class, there have been no misses in the first round. Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson are all stars.
Some might not think much of that, but there have been plenty of first-round busts, even some of Atlanta’s — i.e., Vic Beasley, Takk McKinley, and Keanu Neal. It might be a bit harsh to classify them as busts because all three had productive years with the Dirty Birds. However, none received second contracts from the Falcons, and that should be considered a failure on the club’s end.
The trio of first-rounders from the new regime don’t seem headed for that reality, especially Drake London, who seems destined to become a star if the Falcons can get any semblance of consistency at the quarterback position.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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