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2022 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons select Drake London No.8 overall

By Sravan Gannavarapu

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Drake London #15 of the USC Trojans rushes past the defense of Daniel Isom #3 of the Washington State Cougars during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Coliseum on December 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Drake London #15 of the USC Trojans rushes past the defense of Daniel Isom #3 of the Washington State Cougars during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Coliseum on December 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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In their first year post-Matt Ryan era, the Atlanta Falcons are looking to select an impactful franchise player and hope Drake London can be that individual.

After the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts, the Atlanta Falcons enter the 2022 NFL Draft with a pressing need at quarterback.

Though Marcus Mariota brings familiarity, it is pretty clear that the former No.2 overall pick is not the long-term solution at signal-caller in Dogwood City. As such, the ATL is in search of a new leader.

Whether it is a quarterback or not, the franchise requires a player who had as much impact on the city as Matt Ryan and Julio Jones did.

Someone who could help get them back to a Super Bowl and redeem themselves from the numbers that shall not be named (28-3). The last few times the Falcons chose eight overall, it hasn’t been all rose petals.

Vic Beasley was sporadic after being drafted in 2015, and Jamaal Anderson in 2007 was a massive disappointment. DeAngelo Hall in 2004 was quite promising, but his best years were arguably away from Atlanta.

So, this time, the Falcons choose to go with Drake London out of USC, hoping that he can bring a level of spark to the organization. His college resume speaks for itself.

The Atlanta Falcons look to rise up over defenses with the selection of Drake London.

It’s no secret that Drake London can go up and get the ball. In the red zone, he is highly physical and his route running helps separate him from the competition. Over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021 are not numbers to sneeze at and bodes well for the ATL.

Because he is the first wide receiver off the board, London has expectations on his shoulder, plus his style of play is similar to Larry Fitzgerald. Given how Fitz is likely heading to Canton, it may be a lofty comparison, but that is the type of upside that London has.

Arthur Smith is a man that prides himself on trench play. That said, you need physicality at the wide receiver position to help adhere to what Smith likes to do on offense. Drake London can provide that, and the Falcons are fortunate to have him in their laps.

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