Drake London Shattering Falcons Receiving Records
Although the Atlanta Falcons may not be the clear-cut division leaders that fans had hoped for, a silver lining has been second-year wide receiver Drake London, who has quietly continued his ascension as one of the most productive young receivers in the franchise's history.
The Falcons franchise has had some great receivers over the years, but after last week's four-reception game, London has broken Atlanta's record for the most receptions in a Falcons receiver's first two seasons.
Drake London has more catches in his first two seasons than any other receiver in Atlanta Falcons history.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
At 137 receptions entering Atlanta's final game of the season against the New Orleans Saints, London has already passed Julio Jones' record of 133 and his predecessor Calvin Ridley, who was tied for second with Mike Pritchard at 127 receptions.
Despite dealing with shaky quarterback play in the first two seasons of his career, London's strong hands have helped cement him as one of the most reliable targets in Falcons history early on in his career.
While his receptions reign supreme over the aforementioned Atlanta receivers, his yardage ranks second in the group behind Jones, who had 2,157 yards compared to London's 1,730 so far.
Playing on a young, talented Falcons offense, London has the potential to continue getting one-on-one coverage thanks to the skills of teammates such as rookie running back Bijan Robinson, who has already proven himself to be an elite pass catcher at his position, and speedy tight end Kyle Pitts also drawing coverage.
If Atlanta can get London a quarterback closer to the caliber of Matt Ryan (who Jones had during his tenure), then perhaps Falcons fans can see London take his career to the next level going forward and build upon what has already been a historic pace to begin his career by increasing the yardage per target from his current 7.9 closer to Jones 9.7.
This NFL Draft will have multiple potential quarterbacks to help London elevate his game, and two of them will face off this Monday in the College Football Championship: Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy, two quarterbacks capable of throwing deep passes with ease.
