2022 NFL Draft: WRs Lead Candidates For Offensive Rookie Of The Year
By Kyle Edmond
No. 5: Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
If we were talking simply on ability and opportunity, then Drake London would be much higher on this list than just No. 5. Standing 6-foot-5, London creates a matchup nightmare for defenses on his own, but paired with 6-foot-6 tight end Kyle Pitts and the Falcons could have one of the most talented duos of 6-foot-5 or taller pass catchers in the league.
On top of being paired with Pitts, London should be the top wide receiver in Atlanta. The suspension for Calvin Ridley forced Atlanta to look to wide receiver multiple times this offseason. They traded for Bryan Edwards, but London is the top option.
The pace of play has to be taken into account as well. Atlanta’s defense still needs work. They were, by far, the worst team in the league at getting to the quarterback last season and did very little this offseason to change that. That should mean that Atlanta is playing from behind, translating to more passing and more volume for London.
So, in short, the opportunity is clearly there. The issue will be production and that might not necessarily be on London. Marcus Mariota is slated to start for the Falcons and he hasn’t exactly been the most consistent passer. If Mariota is able to settle in for the Falcons, then London could be a strong candidate. If not, it will be hard for London to make up ground if the quarterback play wavers.