NFL Draft 2022: which team could pick USC Trojans’ Drake London?
USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London is attracting significant interest ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft at the end of April.
Within a class that offers up very few stellar prospects at wide receiver, Drake London stands out as one of the most sought-after players ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, which takes place in Las Vegas between 28 and 30 April.
In his three seasons with the USC Trojans, London has registered 160 receptions, 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 20-year-old’s production takes on a different dimension, however, when you consider that more than half of it came in his last campaign in college football: 88 receptions, 1,084 yards, seven TDs.
Question marks over London’s pace
London’s performances led him to be invited to the NFL scouting combine, where he registered a height of 6′4″ and hands measuring 9 3/8″. However, some doubts surround the WR’s speed, as he didn’t take part in the drills at the combine and his time in the 40-yard dash is unknown. “Watch the film,” London told ESPN when asked about this. “At the end of the day, I really don’t have to blow by guys to catch the ball. I mean, I can, but I don’t have to.”
Looking at his performances for USC, London certainly shapes up as a vertical threat in the NFL. In the view of US media outlet The Ringer, he is a player who is best compared to Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
London set for Eagles?
Several Draft simulations have placed London at the Philadelphia Eagles. If the projections are borne out, it will be the third straight year that the Eagles have drafted a wide receiver with their first pick, after Jalen Reagor in 2020 and DeVonta Smith in 2021.
Other franchises that are viewed as potential destinations for London are the New York Jets, who have recently shown interest in a wide receiver; the Green Bay Packers, who have seen Davante Adams leave for the Las Vegas Raiders; and the New England Patriots, who are missing a number-one WR.