Tag: Drake London

2022 scouting combine: WR measurements reveal some surprises

Here are some of the notable measurements and updates on some of the hotter WR prospects the Lions figure to be looking at in April’s draft

The first set of official weights and measurements is coming out from the 2022 NFL scouting combine. In looking at the wide receiver results, there are a few players who probably need a bit of a narrative change.

The Lions, of course, are looking hard at the receiver class. WR coach Antwaan Randle El wants the team to draft two new ones and also sign another wideout in free agency, after all. Here are some of the notable measurements and updates on some of the hotter WR prospects the Lions figure to be looking at in April’s draft.

USC WR Drake London compares himself to Calvin Johnson, would love to play with Amon-Ra St. Brown again

USC WR Drake London compares himself to Lions legend Calvin Johnson, would love to play with Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit

One of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects at the 2022 NFL scouting combine is USC’s Drake London. And the big Trojan definitely raised some Detroit eyebrows with one of the first answers he gave in his podium time on Wednesday.

When asked who he compares himself to, London did not hesitate.

“Megatron, Calvin Johnson,” London said without skipping a beat. “Definitely one of the greatest.”

He did add a current player, too.

“As I grew into myself, Mike Evans for sure. Definitely someone I can take from his game and implement it into mine,” London continued.

The above-the-rim style London plays definitely calls to mind both Johnson and Evans. At 6-foot-5, London was a basketball standout as well and has incorporated the leaping catch and boxing out phases of hoops into his game. He’s quite a bit lighter than either Johnson or Evans, however; London checks in at 209 pounds, whereas Evans was 231 and Johnson weighed in at 239. In seeing London in person in Indianapolis, he’s not built anything like either Evans or Johnson in terms of leg girth or upper-body muscle, either.

London also stated he’s had a lot of ongoing contact with Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The two were teammates at USC.

“Definitely a big brother right there,” London said of St. Brown. “I was blessed enough to get in a room with him when I was younger and be there with him for two years. So he’s definitely been in my ear, helping me through this process. I watched a lot of his games. For him to come up on the scene at the end was definitely something that he had to prove himself, and I’m happy he did.”

Reuniting with St. Brown in Detroit could be tough. London is generally projected to be drafted in the 10-25 overall range, while the Lions have picks at Nos. 2 and 32. But London would definitely like the chance.

“That would be cool,” London responded when asked about playing with St. Brown with the Lions. “A blessing for sure to have something like that. Help me out with the locker room atmosphere and all that, but at the end of the day I’m just trying to get picked.”

Chargers Scouting Report: USC WR Drake London

Putting USC WR Drake London under the microscope to see if he’s a fit for the Chargers.

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2022 NFL draft.

With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, I take a look at USC wide receiver Drake London.

Drake London | USC | #15 | Junior | Moorpark, CA | 6’5” | 210

40-yard Dash: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Career: 2021 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and Team MVP. Former basketball player who committed to play both sports at USC before focusing on football ahead of his junior season. Amassed 160 catches, 2,153 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns in 22 games for the Trojans.

Red Flags: None

Strengths: Tough, towering receiver that sees the entire stadium over the head of his opponent. Experience on the outside and as a big man slot target. High-volume target adept in running an enhanced route tree at numerous levels. Basketball background is evident in how he torques his lower body and sinks his hips to mimic crossovers in his breaks. Keen timing on his cutback to parallel the corner’s hip turn. Quarterbacks can throw it in his general orbit on back-shoulder opportunities and he will reel it in. Uses his frame to his full advantage to box out defenders at the catch point. Strong clamp to secure the ball through contact. Most of his passes are caught extended and away from his body with good use of his length to eliminate chances for the defensive back to swipe through his hands and dislodge the ball. Unwavering concentration, boosted leaping ability, and tight body control increase his favor in contested situations. Anticipates the field and formulates a plan of attack before the ball arrives. Exhaustive to bring down solo, sometimes requiring a team effort by the defense. Elusive after the catch with a violent spin move, abrupt stiff arm, and deceptive lateral quickness to break tackles. Meets downhill defenders with a lowered shoulder and physical ram. 

Weaknesses: Upright stance with little bend in the waist to generate explosion on his get-off. Inconsistent blocker that does not engage with his lower body – reachy and tries to build forward momentum to maul the defender. Slower to eat up cushions in off-man. Press tactics aside from shoving the defensive back off him are seldom showcased. 

Final Word: A physically imposing vertical threat that vacuums up the majority of the looks he commands, Drake London gave Pac-12 defensive backs fits in the eight games he played in 2021 as they searched for an answer to counter his size. London compares to a leaner Mike Evans with better tools and awareness after the catch. Although he will rarely create large gaps of separation for himself, London’s quickness, catch point supremacy, and competitive ambition will thrive in an offense eager to target to him often, especially in the red zone.

Fit Likelihood: High

Grade: 1st

Film Highlights:
London putting the Colorado secondary in a bodybag on multiple occasions.

London’s back-shoulder fade prowess and ball tracking on display as he closes off the catch point.

London showcasing his creativity after the catch and uncanny athleticism for his size.

Mel Kiper 2.0 mock draft selects QB for Commanders

Who does Mel Kiper have Washington selecting in his second mock draft ahead of the NFL combine?

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Mel Kiper has produced his 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0, which includes a new first overall selection and two trades in the first round.

Going first overall is OT Ikem Ekwonu to the Jacksonville Jaguars. As for the Commanders, Kiper does not have Washington trading up for a quarterback but remaining at the No. 11 overall position.

If Washington fans are hoping for inside linebacker Devin Lloyd (Utah), Kiper believes the NY Giants will take him at No. 7.

Personally, I have been hoping cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (U Cincinnati) who might be available at No.11 for the Commanders. However, Kiper feels Gardner will also be gone, taken at No. 8 by Atlanta.

At No. 9 Kiper foresees Cleveland trading up with Denver, and then taking what he feels is the top receiver this class, Drake London (USC).

Center, Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa) is taken in the No.10 spot immediately ahead of Washington, which means if this scenario were to hold up, not only would Washington be able to select a quarterback, but they could have whichever one they desired.

With the No 11 overall selection in the draft, Kiper has Washington taking the first quarterback off of the board in Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh).

“Taylor Heinicke hasn’t shown he can be a consistent, NFL-level starter; Pickett could be an upgrade,” wrote Kiper.

“This is still a little high for a quarterback based on my big board. I have Pickett and Malik Willis 19 and 20 respectively. But the 24-year old Pickett is ready to play in the NFL right now. I don’t think he will have to have the developmental time that Willis will need.”

“Ron Rivera’s team could compete in the NFC East with competent quarterback play and Pickett could give them a chance. He’s going to be under the microscope at the combine, as we still don’t have an official hand-size for him. He’s expected to have below 9-inch hands, which has been one of the benchmarks for quarterbacks. I’m curious to hear how he does in interviews with teams as well.”

Who are the other quarterbacks drafted in the first round?

Kiper sees the Steelers taking Malik Willis (Liberty U) at the No. 19 selection and the Lions with the Rams’ pick (via the Stafford trade) selecting Matt Corral (Ole Miss) with the final pick of the first round at No. 32.

 

Patriots land an incredible WR steal in this 2022 NFL mock draft

“He has all the tools to eventually be WR1.”

Sometimes the NFL draft presents teams with a tremendous opportunity. Last season, the New England Patriots saw quarterback Mac Jones fall to 15th overall. Not only did he seem like the perfect fit for the team but New England was in desperate need of a young quarterback.

So what if something similar thing happens in 2022?

The Patriots need a receiver. It may not be their No. 1 need, but considering how important the passing attack is in today’s NFL, the Patriots should be giving him all the help he can get. So what if, arguably, the No. 1 receiver in the draft fell to New England in the first round?

CBS Sports imagined just that scenario, with USC receiver Drake London falling to the Patriots. Here’s what CBS Sports wrote:

“At 6-foot-5, London was a high-point-catch machine before his ’21 season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury. He has all the tools to eventually be WR1, and in New England he’d be a welcome addition to a Pats offense that appears to have found its next franchise QB in Mac Jones.”

A receiver like London might spook Patriots fans. As a prospect, London sounds a lot like N’Keal Harry sounded coming out of ASU. And Harry will live among Bill Belichick’s worst drat busts during his Patriots tenure. Harry’s presence within the offense is a clear strain. As much as he is a talented run blocker, Harry never figured out how to contribute as a pass-catcher — which is why a receiver like London would be such a huge boon.

Unlike Harry, London has separation skills that set him apart. He is also a gifted jump-ball catcher so that in the red area, he can make space — even when there is none. He would be an ideal receiver to put on the field with Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne.

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Falcons select WR, QB in Draft Wire’s new mock

Draft Wire released a new pre-combine mock draft in which Atlanta adds two major pieces on offense.

The Super Bowl was just two weeks ago, but it’s been seven weeks since the Atlanta Falcons lost to the New Orleans Saints in their season finale.

On the bright side, the NFL scouting combine kicks off March 1 and the Falcons have a top-10 pick for the second year in a row. Our friends over at Draft Wire released a pre-combine mock draft in which Atlanta adds two major pieces on offense.

Let’s take a look at all four projected Falcons picks.

30 offensive prospects the Falcons could target in 2022 NFL draft

30 offensive prospects the Atlanta Falcons could target in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Atlanta Falcons need help on offense, but without cap space, the 2022 NFL draft is their best option to add talent this offseason..

All positions, including wide receiver, running back and quarterback, should be on the table. Here are 30 potential draft targets for the Falcons on offense.

Giants make surprising selections in latest Daniel Jeremiah mock draft

The New York Giants are in desperate need of offensive linemen but in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, they ignore the OL outright.

The New York Giants will enter the 2022 league year in desperate need of offensive linemen and precious few options by which to obtain them.

General manager Joe Schoen will be tasked with clearing $40 million in cap space, which will require several “tough decisions.” Some of those decisions, in addition to moving around personnel, will likely include passing on high-priced free agent additions.

Accordingly, the Giants will need to turn their attention to the 2022 NFL draft in order to finally shore up their offensive line. But in the mind of NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who needs an offensive line? Not the Giants. Apparently.

In Jeremiah’s most recent mock draft, he has the Giants making two very curious selections. First up at No. 5 overall is Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker.

Walker is a unique talent because of his size, athleticism and versatility. The Giants need more playmakers on defense.

The selection of Walker comes with Kayvon Thibodeaux, who Jeremiah expects to fall, Jermaine Johnson II and George Karlaftis still on the board.

The Giants do need an edge rusher, but is Walker the guy at No. 5 overall? And if so, the next selection is obviously an offensive lineman, right? Wrong.

At No. 7 overall, Jeremiah has the Giants going with USC wide receiver Drake London.

The Giants seem very committed to giving Daniel Jones a fair evaluation in 2022. London has inside/outside versatility and he’ll be a monster in the red zone.

It’s as if no one watched the Giants over the past two years (and more). It doesn’t matter how many playmakers the team has, they’re unable to function as an offensive unit due to inept pass protection and run blocking. And if that’s not fixed, London is a useless asset.

London is also coming off a fractured ankle and if there was any ligament damage, that could cause problems long-term.

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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 64 Drake London

USC WR Drake London is up next in Unpacking Future Packers, a countdown previewing the 2022 NFL draft for Packers Wire.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Death, taxes, and the Green Bay Packers not drafting a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft. Those are the three certainties in this life.

The 2022 NFL Draft will mark the 20th anniversary of the Packers selecting Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick.

A wide receiver that could temp Brian Gutekunst to break that streak is Drake London. The USC reception machine checks in at No. 64 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

In 2019, London recorded 39 receptions for 567 yards and five touchdowns. In six games during the 2020 season, London caught 33 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns.

Prior to suffering a season-ending ankle injury against Arizona in October, London hauled in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite missing the final four games of the season, London still earned Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.

“Drake London was having the best season any wide receiver in the country before he went down,” Evan Desai, the editor for Reign of Troy, said. “This is the same guy who won Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year this season despite getting hurt in just the eighth game of the season. In what was maybe the worst year in USC history, with the team running an embarrassment of an offensive scheme, London still put up 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games.”

London played on the USC basketball team and it’s fitting because he does a great job of playing above the rim. He climbs the ladder and outmuscles at the catch point. He has outstanding body control. Even when he’s covered he’s open. With his frame, London has an Inspector-Gadget-like catch radius and will be a red-zone mismatch.

London has strong hands and is a contested-catch maestro. According to Pro Football Focus, London led the nation with 19 contested catches.

With his size (6-5) and leaping ability, it was no surprise to see London listed on Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s list for 2021.

According to Feldman, London has a 38 inch vertical. His size and the way he attacks the ball at its highest point is a big reason why former USC head coach Clay Helton compared him to Mike Evans.

“I really think he’s going to be more Mike Evans-ish at the end of the day,” Helton said. “I think he’s going to be Mike Evans. I’ve watched it in the spring where we’ve moved him outside some, and man, he has been dynamic. I mean, he is a nightmare.”

London is a load for defensive backs to take down after the catch. He’s strong after the catch due to his physical nature and he utilizes a strong stiff arm.

“His toughness and physicality are hard to rival,” Desai said. “It helps him out a lot after the catch. He’s extremely hard to bring down, as anyone who watches his film will discover. His trucking ability is off the charts, and as a freak athlete, he’s got significant game speed to make him effective after the catch as well.”

London is a quick-footed athlete for a man his size. He is a smooth accelerator. He has quick and powerful strides to create separation.

“He’s a tremendous route runner,” Desai said. “Participating in many different roles as a receiver in his time at SC, he can run routes more pertaining to traditional possession receivers, and he can also run deep routes with a lot of success. He even has a lot of experience lining up as a tight end early in his career, which helped diversify his route tree. He can run whatever is needed.”

It’s a well-known fact that Matt LaFleur and his staff love wide receivers that are capable of doing the dirty work on the outside. London is an imposing blocker out the perimeter. He’s wired right and does a good job of driving defenders downfield. 

“His size and physicality help him in the blocking game,” Desai said. “Which is of course a big part of what translates to the NFL.”

Fit with the Packers

The wide receiver position in Green Bay is a mess. Will they opt to make Davante Adams the highest-paid wide receiver in the league?

Will they bring back Allen Lazard? Will deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling get a new deal this offseason? Will the Packers bring Randall Cobb back?

Even if the Packers bring Adams back, they need to improve the talent behind him.

With his skillset, London could provide an immediate impact as Green Bay’s No. 2 wide receiver opposite Adams. If Adams isn’t back, London has all the tools to be a team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

“London is a freak,” Desai said. “He only needs one hand to be able to catch the ball and is better than anyone on contested catches. Even if the defense smothers him, a quarterback will feel confident in taking risks if the intended target is London. The energy he plays with is unparalleled, and he has no fears on the football field. He can line up as a slot receiver, as a tight end (Kyle Pitts/Daren Waller type), and on the outside. Nobody will want to tackle him–even in the NFL. Players his size aren’t supposed to have the athleticism and ball skills to play receiver at the elite level he does.”

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Browns mock draft watch: ESPN’s Todd McShay adds a WR for the Browns

Browns mock draft watch: Todd McShay adds WR to Cleveland #Browns

It is my favorite time of the year, draft season. Now that the NFL season is officially in the books, the focus for the Cleveland Browns and their fans needs to be on the upcoming draft. We have provided some mock draft reviews and even some full seven-rounders, but Todd McShay is worshipped by many in the draft fandom community and it is always exciting to see what he has to say.

Most of the focus is going to be on the first few picks and seeing where all of the controversial quarterbacks land, but McShay goes back to old faithful for the Browns by adding a dynamic wide receiver. Let’s dive in!