The Atlanta Falcons have to be relieved that wide receiver Drake London had his two best games of the 2024 season when Michael Penix Jr. took over for Kirk Cousins. That move looks like it’s going to stick.
Every draft pick comes with some risk, and the Falcons caught some heat for taking London with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. At USC, London didn’t have elite speed or top-tier separation—traits most teams chase in a No. 1 wideout. But he stood out for his basketball background, using his frame to high-point the ball and haul in tough, contested grabs.
His NFL career started slow, which isn’t shocking when you consider the Falcons’ revolving door at quarterback. In his rookie year, Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder split starts. Then in 2023, it was Ridder again, along with Taylor Heinicke, followed by Cousins and Penix in 2024. Adjusting to six different quarterbacks, two head coaches, and two offensive coordinators is a tough ask for any young wideout.
There are still questions about whether London has what it takes to be a true star in the NFL.
Falcons Star Drake London’s Ceiling Might Already Be Set, According to NFL Insider
That’s the question Sports Illustrated analyst Albert Breer tackled in a recent edition of his NFL Mailbag. He answers fan-submitted questions in each installment.
One Falcons fan asked Breer if he thinks London can still break out and become a top-five wide receiver in 2025.
“Not impossible, but I think London is what he is at this point: a tough, reliable, smart possession target, who can win contested catches downfield. And one thing that will be interesting to see is whether Michael Penix Jr. becoming the quarterback opens up a little more of that downfield piece of his game. But, at this point, I think we have a pretty good feel for London as an NFL receiver,” Breer wrote. “He’ll play in the league a long time, but I don’t know that he’ll evolve into a star.”
Drake London getting a lot of love this off-season! I expect his best year yet this year! https://t.co/WP6uWfs0NA pic.twitter.com/eNLotBgsSy
— Damski 🫶🏽 (@Damski32) May 27, 2025
In the final three games of the season — when Penix took over — London posted his best numbers of the year. It’s a small sample size, so it’s hard to say if it was a turning point or just a hot streak, but it’s promising either way.
A Look at London’s Time in the League
Even though his rookie campaign was uneven, London has continued to grow. He caught 72 passes for 866 yards and four touchdowns in Year 1. He hit a bit of a sophomore slump but bounced back strong in Year 3.
He racked up 100 receptions for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking fourth in receiving yards, tied for ninth in catches, and tied for ninth in scores across the league. The Falcons were pleased enough to pick up his fifth-year option.
Now, London starts OTAs with Penix as the starter. That gives them a real shot to build timing and chemistry early, and that could make a big difference heading into the season.
