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3 reasons why Drake London was a horrible pick by Atlanta Falcons

By Michael Johnson

2022 NFL mock draft: Drake London #15 of the USC Trojans reacts after a USC touchdown during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
2022 NFL mock draft: Drake London #15 of the USC Trojans reacts after a USC touchdown during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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With the No. 8 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected USC wide receiver, Drake London.

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the NFL with the No. 8 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Mock drafts had the Falcons taking everything from the offensive line to a quarterback, to an edge rusher, or even trading out.

No one, and I mean no one, expected them to take a wide receiver. In fact, no one expected the player they selected to be the first wideout off the board.

Drake London is a fantastic prospect who will lineup either in the slot or wide. He’s a dynamic playmaker in a 6-4 22-pound body.

London and Kyle Pitts could dominate the NFC South the same way Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson did. However, drafting the wide receiver who’s still recovering from an injury could be a mistake.

The Falcons needed a pass rusher over Drake London

The Falcons needed a ton of help at so many positions. One of their biggest needs was at edge rusher. The Falcons ranked dead last in the NFL in sacks with 152, and eight of those left in free agency.

Most expected Jermaine Johnson to be selected inside the Top 10, and the Falcons had that chance. The FSU edge rusher is arguably the most technically sound edge defender in the drat. Instead, they took a pass catcher.

Marcus Mariota isn’t the future

A quarterback of the future isn’t easy to come by. Sitting at No. 8, the Atlanta Falcons had a chance to take the best quarterback prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft.

They traded away long-time franchise quarterback Matt Ryan to the Colts. Right now, they have Marcus Mariota penciled in as the starting quarterback. They could have used the pick to take either Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis.

Maybe they’re waiting for next year.

An upgrade at offensive line

When your offensive line gives up 200-pressures, it’s time to push the panic button. Taking an offensive lineman early would have helped in a major way.

Imagine getting Jake Mathews and Chris Lindstrom some help. They need to protect their passer no matter who lines up at quarterback.

It looks like Mariota, or whoever the signal caller is, will be running for his life. At least they’ll have a wideout to throw to.

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