Drake London is a former multi-sport standout who has also competed on the USC basketball team, and that skill set has certainly transferred over to the field. He is an excellent athlete with regards to jumping ability, body control, and agility for a big receiver. In the run game, he has the potential to be a dominant run blocker due to his toughness, length, and competitive spirit.

He is surprisingly very good as a runner after the catch. In the passing game, he is excellent. He has outstanding body control and agility as a route-runner and uses his bigger frame to “big boy” smaller receivers. He is excellent in contested-catch situations and uses his strong hands to secure the football in traffic. His separation ability at the top of the route is sufficient but bigger receivers should be assessed differently than shorter, more agile ones. He is a downfield threat in the passing game and even if the corner is in phase, London will likely win the contested-catch situation. While he has played outside, playing this receiver as a big slot or off the ball at Z could free him to maximize his outstanding physical ability.

Ideal Role: Starting Outside WR

Scheme Fit: Vertical passing offense

FILM EVALUATION

Written by Drae Harris

Route Running: He uses some creativity and nuance when running routes. While he won’t have elite separation quickness at the top of the route because he is a high-cut player, he is creative enough to get separation on intermediate routes. He also uses his body to out-physical smaller defenders and create separation.

Hands: See Above.

Separation: See Above. 

Release: He has improved his release in 2021. He has shown the ability to beat press with upper-body strength. He also has the foot quickness to get vertical and stack a defender.

Run After Catch: See Above.

Ball Skills: He has outstanding ball skills. He has an uncanny ability to track the deep ball. He also has an outstanding catch radius and jumping ability. So even off targeted throws he can clean up and make the QB look good.

Football IQ: His football IQ is good. He knows how to adjust his route to get to the sticks in situational football. When he is underneath, he is cognizant of coverage and knows how to “sit his route down.”

Versatility: He brings some versatility to the position. He has aligned both outside and in the slot. While he has improved his releases off the line in 2021, his skill set also suggests that he would work well off the ball.

Competitive Toughness: London plays with competitive toughness. He catches 6 routes when contact is imminent. He will run block and is tough to get down when he has the ball in his hands.

Big Play Ability: He is a big-play threat whenever his number is called. He has the speed to beat you vertically and he will likely win the contested catch. He’s a surprisingly dangerous runner with the ball in his hands, as well.

SCOUT GRADES

TDN Consensus: 85.00/100 (First Round Value)

Crabbs Grade: 84.50/100

Marino Grade: 86.00/100

Harris Grade: 85.00/100

Sanchez Grade: 85.50/100

Weissman Grade: 85.00/100

Parson Grade: 84.00/100