Drake London is a giant wide receiver that proved he was fully healthy after dealing with a broken ankle during the pre-draft process before last year. The 6’4 wideout has all the makings of being a franchise wide receiver. He has the speed, height, and ability to put up WR1 numbers if he was anywhere but the Atlanta Falcons. Their rush-heavy offense caps his upside and potential. Plus, with their lack of proven quarterback play, it will be tough for Drake London to achieve a true breakout year this year. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be productive or help your dynasty team win this year. However, perhaps his long-term value might outweigh his current value.
2022 Season Recap
Drake London had a decent rookie year. He was easily the Atlanta Falcons’ best receiving option, especially once Kyle Pitts was lost for the season. The Falcons didn’t have many weapons, which allowed teams to really focus on Drake London. Despite that, London still caught 72 of his 117 targets for 866 yards and four touchdowns. While the 61.5% catch rate looks bad, one has to consider that the quarterback play was significantly worse than the average starting quarterback in the NFL. London did fumble three times which is highly discouraging, and this year will be pivotal in reversing the fumble trend.
It isn’t like London has bad hands either, as he only had three drops. London saw an excellent target share at 29.4% and was 14th in fantasy points per route run with 0.49. Drake London has superstar potential as he hinted at his future success with deep routes (2.40 yards per route run, 11th in NFL) and the fact he’s the top receiving option for a growing Atlanta Falcons team.
2023 Season Projections
Drake London is set to resume his duties as the top pass-catcher and wide receiver in the Atlanta Falcons rushing-oriented offense. London will have a very similar season to last year. That’s because the Falcons will have Kyle Pitts healthy, a new WR2 in Mack Hollins, and a top-tier pass-catching running back in Bijan Robinson. With how rush-heavy the Falcons will be to limit the amount of passing work thrust upon Ridder, the targets will be hard to come by for London.
That’s why I have him barely eclipsing his targets from last year. I have him catching at a slightly better rate and for more yardage per catch. His 120 targets would give him a target share of 27.33%. That’s a bit lower than last year, but when you factor in the likely 157+ targets going to Pitts/Bijan, there are not that many targets left over, and London won’t get them all. Drake London will be a low-end WR2 with some big weeks but focus on having him be your WR3, as he won’t be consistent enough. It also doesn’t help that with so many red-zone options. It’s unlikely that London will see many targets there, limiting his touchdown upside. Acquire London with a look towards the future versus this year.
Long-Term Dynasty Outlook?
Drake London is a perfect candidate for rebuilding teams. It will likely be another year until Drake hits the 1,000+ yardage threshold and fully breaks out. Of course, in a year, the Falcons will probably have a new quarterback that is far more talented than Desmond Ridder. That means that for contenders, he’s not worth much more than a WR2/3. He won’t win you weeks or get enough work or quality targets to help push your team toward a championship. However, as a rebuilder, that’s fine! You should target him in trades where you’re selling veterans like Diggs, Kupp, or others. He can become one of your long-term wide receivers and fulfill a spot.
Drake London won’t likely ever be a WR1 in dynasty, but he certainly has the potential and ability to be a long-time high-end WR2. The Atlanta Falcons will get their quarterback, and once that happens, Drake London will be fully unlocked.
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As always, May the Force be with You…
