2022 NFL Draft: USC WR Drake London has great size/YAC combo

His Move To The Perimeter Will Be Important

There are some limitations with Drake London’s game because of his size. For one, he doesn’t have the straight line speed to separate vertically, despite his usage in the slot to work up the seam. London isn’t truly dynamic or explosive either, which will bring about challenges at the next level with his releases, transitions throughout breaks, and after the catch, where toughness will be the calling card.

The other big note is that London operated exclusively out of the slot this past season at USC. It’s likely that changes in 2021, as he will be the top guy in the receiver room. It will be interesting to see how he operates against press coverage, as he’s seen mostly off-coverage in the slot. London has the physical demeanor and length to succeed versus press, but that adjustment likely will take some time.

It’s something glossed over a bit as well, but London’s route tree was pretty limited as well. Curl routes, drags on mesh concepts, and shorter in and out breaking routes were put on London’s plate in 2020, with the occasional route up the seam. Seeing an expansion of that route tree will help London’s 2022 NFL Draft stock and performance on the perimeter.