With the eighth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected USC WR Drake London. What will London’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Falcons’ current depth chart?
[the_ad_group id=”60938″]
Drake London drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons
London was the PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 as he earned first-team All-PAC-12 honors. He was also selected as a third-team All-American in his final season at USC. He is the fourth USC wide receiver selected in the first round since 2000 and the first since Nelson Agholor in 2015.
London’s projected rookie contract
Because London was the eighth overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $24.7 million
- Signing Bonus: $15.1 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $4.5 million
London’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Falcons will be getting with the selection of London. For further information, check out London’s full scouting report.
Strengths
- Tracks the pass in the air, gets vertical, and high-points the ball over defenders
- Has a smooth and fluid style, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and consistently comes away with the contested grab
- Uses his hands to separate from defenders, sells routes, and quickly gets into breaks
Areas for improvement
- Had a limited route tree at USC
- Shows average quickness in his overall game
- Lacks a burst and deep speed
How does London project in the Falcons’ depth chart?
London has seen an interesting narrative shift. It felt like the NFL loved his game, despite the league getting smaller and shiftier on the outside. Despite not running a 40-yard dash, he ends up the first WR drafted.
The Falcons’ wide receiving corps was the most lackluster unit in the NFL. They had absolutely nothing at the position. While many didn’t believe there was a receiver worthy of the eighth pick, a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder who can separate with flexibility and suddenness will always be coveted. It’s an added bonus that he is arguably the best contested-catch WR in recent years.
When do the Falcons pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted London, the Falcons have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 2 (Pick 43)
- Round 2 (Pick 58 from Titans)
- Round 3 (Pick 74)
- Round 3 (Pick 82 from Colts)
- Round 4 (Pick 114)
- Round 5 (Pick 151)
- Round 6 (Pick 190)
- Round 6 (Pick 213*)
*Compensatory pick
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.
