It will soon be draft season for the Jaguars, who need help at receiver desperately. That’s why @DanDGriffis decided to preview USC’s Drake London this week.
Through 16 games of Jacksonville Jaguars football this season, one thing has become more and more evident by the week, this team needs playmakers, specifically at the wide receiver position.
The Jaguars have just one 100-yard receiver this year, coming against Miami when Marvin Jones finished with exactly 100 yards. The receiver room leads the NFL in drops (33) and has largely struggled to aid young Trevor Lawrence’s development.
Luckily for Jacksonville, this year’s draft class is once again fruitful at receiver. One guy who sets himself apart from the rest is the University of Southern California’s Drake London. Standing at 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, London is good at using his frame and length to make plays on the ball, out-jumping any defender that may compete for it.
Per Pro Football Focus, London led all FBS receivers with 19 contested catches, despite missing all of November and December with a fractured ankle injury. In eight games, the Trojan hauled in 88 balls for nearly 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns.
To put that production into perspective, London averaged 11 catches a game, over 135 yards, and a touchdown. That’s about as productive as it gets at the collegiate level.
London could be just the sort of receiver to come into Jacksonville and become an instant playmaker, utilizing his big frame to make those tough catches for the team’s young quarterback.
While his large stature limits his ability to make quick cuts as a route runner or as a ball carrier, he brings a level of nuance that helps aid his ability to create separation. Check out this play below.
After the catch, London shows off that big frame and physicality, similar to what we see from Laviska Shenault. At his size, corners and safeties have a tough time tackling a player of his stature, opening the door for London to rack up some extra yardage.
The Jaguars are in desperate need of playmakers for Lawrence and the offense, something the team hasn’t had at receiver since the days of Allen Robinson. London brings that physical nature that Robinson brought and could step in and become that true Alpha-type receiver for this franchise.
There’s several talented receivers in the draft class, but none of them can compete with London’s size, physicality, and length at the position. If the front office is looking for that traditional X-receiver, London is no doubt their guy.
