Saturday, January 15, 2022

2022 NFL Draft WR Drake London

Scouting Reports:

USC:  https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/roster/drake-london/12107

PFN:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/drake-london-usc-wr-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2022/



NFL Draft Buzz:  https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/drake-london



Articles:

NFL Draft bust candidates: Malik Willis, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Drake London and the riskiest picks in 2022 (Drake London, WR, USC:  There's no doubt that London has potential. The 6-4, 219-pound receiver has a big frame and was productive at USC. He generated 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns for the Trojans despite playing in just eight games.  London compares favorably to Buccaneers star Mike Evans, though London is a bit lighter than Tampa Bay's long-time No. 1 receiver. However, London's speed is something of a concern, and it's one that he didn't quell before the 2022 NFL Draft.  London didn't run the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. The importance of the 40-yard dash has waned in recent seasons, but it's still an important measure of straight-line speed, especially for big-bodied receivers. London didn't feel he was prepared to run it as he continued to recover from a fractured ankle, as he told ESPN, and also quipped that he did enough on tape to prove his speed.  "Watch the film," London said. "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."  London is right. He doesn't have to beat players with speed; but if it's an issue for him, that could limit his ability to separate from faster NFL defensive backs.) (4-27-22):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-busts-2022-malik-willis-kayvon-thibodeaux-drake-london/lctod3kaykhp461sz9pgkyjp

Rumor: Could Detroit Lions Attempt to Trade Up for WR Drake London? (4-26-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-draft-rumor-could-brad-holmes-trade-up-drake-london

NFL Draft prospects 2022: The top 10 wide receivers (4. Drake London, USC (6-4, 219 pounds):  London matches his nice catch radius with great hands and quickness, which makes him a big-play and red zone threat in the Mike Evans vein. There's been too much hype around that profile as Olave, Wilson and Williams are still more complete receivers with smaller frames. London still should go from late first-round consideration to more mid first-round range.) (4-22-22):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2022-prospects-wide-receivers-rankings/eagoszlyovt8bckaixaqd2qz

Finding NFL player comparisons for the top 32 prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft (Drake London, WR, USC (TSN: Martavis Bryant, Clemson (2014), NFL: Ed McCaffrey, Stanford (1991), RAS: NA):  London missed much of the 2021 season due to a fractured ankle, but that didn't stop the dynamic USC wide receiver from having an explosive campaign. In just eight games, the 6-4, 219-pound receiver hauled in 88 passes for 1,084 yards with seven touchdowns and established himself as one of college football's best. He did not participate in drills at the combine. His size and speed liken him to former Clemson wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who stood 6-4 and ran a 4.42 40. Bryant was also a deep-ball threat who offered teams a physical mismatch coming out of the draft in 2014.) (4-22-22):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-player-comparisons-2022-nfl-draft/s5dzevmivykfsrkfx9ibccqt

2022 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (2. DRAKE LONDON, USC (BIG BOARD RANK: 13):  It’s a shame London’s season ended with a broken ankle after only eight games because he was on an unmatched statistical tear. He racked up 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven scores over that span. He’s a massive 6-foot-5, 210-pounder who still led college football with 19 contested catches.) (4-22-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-rankings-wide-receivers-garrett-wilson-chris-olave-drake-london-treylon-burks

2022 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine VI (Down - Drake London, WR, USC:  London is a true wild card in the 2022 NFL Draft. He could go as high as the top 10, or slide as low as the 20s. Two weeks before the 2022 NFL Draft, London held a workout to show teams he is healthy and solid coming off his broken ankle. He still has yet to run the 40, however, which could lead some teams to believe that he is hiding a poor time. London was not expected to run well anyway because some teams are worried about how well the big receiver will separate from NFL coverage. There is no doubt London also has great tape from 2021 with mismatch size and excellent run-after-the-catch skills. Teams would not be surprised if he goes high or slides low come the 2022 NFL Draft.) (4-19-22):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2022stock_31.php

NFL Draft: Eight bold observations about 2022 class (Drake London's YAC skills are being underrated - At a shade under 6-4 and 219 pounds, London plays how the average fan would expect him too -- he ferociously rebounds the football down the field. In fact, his 17 contested-catch "victories" led all of college football last season, and he only appeared in eight games before getting injured.  Oddly enough though, it feels like the lede is being buried with London's draft profile. He forced 22 missed tackles in those eight games. Garrett Wilson was credited with 19 forced missed tackles in 13 contests. Treylon Burks? Fifteen of them in 13 outings. And Chris Olave just one on his 65 receptions. And London's a moose in the open field, powering through anything resembling a less-than-assertive tackling attempt en route to accumulating extra yardage.  ) (4-18-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-bold-observations-eight-unconventional-takeaways-from-studying-this-draft-class/

Lions John Dorsey Present at WR Drake London's Pro Day (4-16-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-john-dorsey-present-drake-london-pro-day


NFL Mock Draft Stock Watch: Which players are rising and falling in experts' eyes in 2022? (The first round picks whose stock dropped slightly (5) - London is a victim of bad injury luck. He missed the Combine while rehabbing the broken ankle that ended his 2021 season and had to postpone his pro day due to a mild hamstring strain. If he runs well at his rescheduled workout April 15, he’ll shoot right back up the draft board.) (4-14-22):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-mock-draft-stock-watch-players-rising-falling

2022 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings: Another stacked class of pass catching talent (1.  Drake London, USC:  London’s position as my WR1 is tenuous based on how he runs at his pro day. He missed the Combine due to the broken ankle that ended his 2021 season. He was supposed to run at USC’s scouting extravaganza in early April, but pushed that back due to a hamstring strain suffered during rehab.  That puts a lot of pressure on his performance April 15. If he can go out and run a sub-4.5 second 40 at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, he’ll assuage any doubt he can be more than just a possession receiver at the next level.  But even if he’s a tick slow, London is special. He’s a marvel with the ball in the air, not only adjusting to passes that aren’t put directly on his numbers but creating space that adds a little extra YAC in the process. This guy isn’t a receiver, he’s a factory whose sole priority is manufacturing open windows out of tight coverage.  London is a cheat code for his quarterbacks. At USC he built a trustworthy, “just throw it to my back shoulder, it’ll be fine” relationship with Kedon Slovis, Jaxson Dart, and to a lesser extent, Matt Fink. He uses his big frame to shield the ball from defenders and doesn’t shy away from contact. He has the chops to adjust back to underthrown passes and the size and vertical leap to go up and get overthrown ones — he spent some time on the Trojans’ basketball team in 2019-20, after all.  In simple terms, put the ball in his orbit and he’s going to get to it. Whatever he may lack in separation compared to the rest of his class he makes up for in innate receiving skill.  Opponents knew USC was going to spam London non-stop in its passing attack last season. He still exploded for 88 catches and 1,074 yards in seven-plus games before breaking his ankle. I understand the concerns about his quickness and ability to break off NFL cornerbacks. But London is the kind of player who makes life a million times easier for his quarterback and provides the kind of rising tide that lifts an entire offense.  As long as he isn’t glacially slow, he should be the first wideout drafted in 2022.) (4-13-22):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-2022-wide-receiver-rankings-garrett-wilson-drake-london

2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 10 receiver prospects (2. Drake London, USC (2021 stats: 88 receptions, 1,084 yards, seven touchdowns) - Klatt's thoughts: "I know a lot of people weren't talking about him because USC had kind of fallen off the map last year. But, if you were up late watching Pac-12 games like you should be, you saw this guy absolutely dominate. He is a physical freak. He's got the basketball background, so he understands how to use his body in order to create space. He's got very strong hands, he's got a great catch point and he comes from an offense, at least in the last few years, that was very pass-happy. So he understands the importance of getting open, snap in and snap out. This guy is terrific, and I think he could get selected in the top-10.) (4-13-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2022-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-receiver-prospects

NFL Draft News and Rumors: Travon Walker, Kyle Hamilton, and others (Which wide receivers are viewed as potential first-round prospects?  Though the order may be slightly different than some have it, there are few surprises. Teams I spoke with have the receivers ranked Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, Jahan Dotson, and Treylon Burks.) (4-13-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-news-and-rumors-travon-walker-kyle-hamilton-and-others/

2022 NFL Draft: Who should be the first wide receiver taken off the board? (Willie McGinest: USC's London is the big-bodied wide receiver NFL teams covet. At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, he will regularly win 50/50 balls -- making him a major red-zone threat -- and his deceptive speed and body control make him a tough matchup on the perimeter for any defensive back. He'll make an immediate impact on whichever team drafts him.) (4-12-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-nfl-draft-who-should-be-the-first-wide-receiver-taken-off-the-board

2022 NFL Draft preview: 5 wide receivers that could interest the Lions (1. Drake London, USC:  London is a big receiver with a wide catch radius and some good run-after-the-catch ability. He missed the end of the 2021 season with a fractured right ankle, but was still a third-team All-American and PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Year after catching 88 passes for 1,084 receiving yards (12.3 per rec.) with seven scores in just eight starts.) (4-12-22):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2022-nfl-draft-preview-5-wide-receivers-lions-london-wilson-williams

2022 NFL Draft: Wide receiver prospect superlatives (BEST AT THE CATCH POINT: DRAKE LONDON, USC - It’s not hyperbole to say London is the best catch-point receiver we’ve seen in our eight years of college grading. He led the FBS with 19 contested catches despite playing in only nine games last year. And he did it all at only 20 years of age. His basketball background is evident in how he attacks the football in the air every time it’s thrown his way. ) (4-8-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-prospect-superlatives

Monson: 2022 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings (5. DRAKE LONDON, USC:  Drake London is the No.1  receiver on PFF’s Big Board, but his lack of high-end speed scares me too much for that kind of ranking. He is peerless with the ball in the air and has enough route running savvy and ability to separate to distance him from contested-catch failures like N’Keal Harry. An ankle injury means we have yet to see him put a time to his speed, but if London runs a time in the 4.6s, expecting him to be the elite receiver he is labelled will be a huge gamble.) (4-8-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings-monson

2022 NFL Draft: Gauging the level of concern for notable injured prospects (WR DRAKE LONDON, USC TROJANS (Injury: Fractured right ankle midway through 2021 season):  London was the frontrunner for the Biletnikoff Award — given annually to college football’s top pass-catcher — before fracturing his ankle in Week 9. He earned a 91.8 receiving grade in 2021 up until that injury, ranking first in the FBS at the time. Before being forced off the field, the USC Trojan led the country in contested catches by eight, with 19 total, and also ranked first in broken tackles after the catch (22).  Fast forward to now, and the injury has hardly impacted the 6-foot-4, 219-pound receiver’s draft stock. His pro day was moved back to April 15 to give him more time to prepare as he finishes the recovery process. If London cleanly gets through that big day in front of scouts, coaches and executives, there’s a chance he could be a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His physicality and ball skills are off the charts, and he has all the tools to be a top possession receiver in the NFL.) (4-7-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-gauging-concern-injured-prospects

2022 NFL draft: The top 16 receivers (1
Drake London, USC (Height: 6’4″ (90th) Weight: 219 (88th)):  Bio: Drake London was a talented two-sport athlete for Moorpark High School in Moorpark, California, starring on the gridiron in the fall and the hardwood in the winter. During his senior year, he caught 62 passes for 1,089 yards and a touchdown. That winter he averaged a double-double on the basketball court, averaging 29 points and 12 rebounds a game. He signed with USC to play both sports, and saw action as a true freshman in both football and basketball. he caught 39 passes for 567 yards and five touchdowns in the fall, and played in three games for the USC basketball team that winter. He decided to focus on football, and in the shortened 2020 season he caught 33 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns.  Last year, London caught 88 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns, despite missing the final few games of the season with a fractured right ankle. Even with the missed time, he was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.  Stat to Know: According to Pro Football Focus charting data, London led receivers with 19 contested catch receptions last year. While that might lead to some wondering whether he can separate, as we will see he checks that box as well.  Strengths: What might work most in London’s favor is that he stands out as perhaps the prototypical “X” receiver in a class that sees more options at the “Z” role or even in the slot. London has the ability to line up at the X, face press-aligned defenders, and separate either off the line with his release package or at the catch point with his size and physical style of play. That is where you see his basketball background come into play, as he is more than comfortable playing in the proverbial phone booth.  Studying London on film, you might first be drawn to what he offers in the downfield passing game. He has the ability to win on those routes by high-pointing the football, or making adjustments to back-shoulder throws. Plays like this against Oregon State, where he adjusts to an underthrown nine route, are going to endear him to his NFL quarterbacks.  Where London sets himself apart in this class is how he separates early in the down as well, even against press-aligned defenders. Two games to study for this trait are Arizona and Washington State, where he worked himself open both initially off the line, or at the catch point using his frame and physical style of play. On this slant route against Arizona, London separates off the line using a quick stutter-step.  Even when the corner does a better job in press coverage, London’s physicality through the route and to the catch point serves him well.  London is one of a few players in this draft who can step in and serve as a prototypical X receiver. His ability to separate makes him more than just a “contested catch receiver,” and will help an NFL offense in a number of ways, and in a variety of systems.  Weaknesses: However, unlike others in this class London is not a speed demon. Teams looking for that 4.3 type of receiver might keep looking after getting to his name on their draft board. London also was a little inconsistent at the catch point, as he dropped eight catchable passes last season.  Also, he is coming off the fractured ankle, so we have not gotten to see him test yet. What he does at his Pro Day — scheduled for April 5th — could complete the picture for his evaluation.  Conclusion: Some have posited that London’s best role in the NFL could be as a big slot receiver, and USC did use him in that alignment a number of times last season. Adding a prototypical X receiver who can also play in the slot, and can separate early in the down and at the catch point, seems like a dream scenario in my book. His experience against press-aligned defenders will make his transition to the NFL a bit easier than it will be for others in this class.  Comparison: Mike Evans is a name that is mentioned often with London, and if you squint hard enough you can see that aspect to his game, particularly with how he was used in college and how he could be utilized in the NFL. Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus mentioned Brandon Marshall as another comparison, which also tracks quite well.) (4-6-22):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-drake-london-chris-olave-jameson-williams/

2022 NFL Draft: Top 8 'Trust The Tape' prospects (Drake London, WR, LSU:  London won't run for scouts and GMs until April 5, essentially making himself the last pro day workout of the 2022 circuit. So we don't technically know how athletic London is in a timed and measured setting just yet. But I won't be surprised if he runs closer to 4.60 than 4.40 and if he's not a 41-inch vertical, 11-foot broad jump type.  On the field he's fast and wins down the field like someone ready to compete in the NBA's dunk contest on All-Star Weekend. No wideout had more contested-catch wins in football than London in 2021, and he only played in eight games. Importantly too, he's bendy enough to get open with decent regularity. Maybe most importantly of all, given the shift in today's NFL game, London is an absolute menace after the catch, a runaway train in the open field. He forced 22 missed tackles on 88 receptions last season with a dizzying array of power and deceptive elusiveness.  I don't care if London runs 4.61 with a 36-inch vertical and a broad jump barely over 10 feet. He's an incredibly well-rounded and intimidating receiver prospect.) (3-28-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-trust-the-tape-prospects-who-shouldnt-be-overlooked-despite-lacking-elite-athletic-traits/

USC Pro Day 2022: Date, prospects, rumors, and more (Drake London, WR:  Due to a fractured right ankle, Drake London missed the final two months of the 2021 season. Additionally, the injury caused him to sit out of drills at the NFL Combine. London said he is operating at roughly 85% and doesn’t want to work out until he is at 100%. So, he will reportedly conduct a solo session for NFL scouts on April 5. London’s size is not a question, but proving his health and mobility will be paramount for his first-round projection.) (3-23-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/usc-pro-day-2022-date-prospects-rumors-more/

2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 17 WRs in this year’s class (Tier 1 - Drake London (USC), 6-foot-4, 219 pounds:  There is no better marriage between prospect and team than London and the Detroit Lions if you ask me. Though he did not test at the NFL Combine due to an ankle injury that he suffered in October of 2021, London is very gifted athletically for his size and has the best ball skills of any receiver in this draft class.  London is at his best on the outside and projects as an “X” receiver but can be used in a variety of ways, including playing in the slot or motioning underneath to create mismatches. In college, USC did a fantastic job of simply getting him the ball any way they could and letting him do the rest of the work. For his size, he’s surprisingly elusive and extremely tough to bring down with the ball in his hands.  It’s unlikely that London will be available by the time the Lions are making their second pick. They will either need to trade up or pray for a miracle to reunite London with the Sun God in Detroit.  Round grade: 1st round) (3-17-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/3/17/22961513/2022-nfl-draft-ranking-top-wide-receivers-tiers

Draft: Prospects with most to gain from pro day workout (USC Tuesday, April 5 - Biggest opportunities: WR Drake London:  USC actually has another pro day scheduled in late March but are giving London more time to fully recover from his in-season injury. All eyes will be on the 40-yard dash and vertical for the nearly 6-4 wideout who led college football in contested-catches in 2021 and rocked after the catch in each of his past two seasons as a primary option for the Trojans.) (3-11-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-derek-stingley-jr-drake-london-and-more-prospects-with-most-to-gain-from-pro-day-workouts/

The leader for the Detroit Lions at No. 2, other observations coming out of 2022 NFL combine (Eight of those guys went sub-4.4 in the 40-yard dash, a combine record. And that doesn’t even include Jameson Williams or Drake London, perhaps the two best deep threats in the entire draft, neither of whom worked out in Indianapolis because of injuries. London said he expects to work out at the USC pro day in a couple weeks, and here’s betting he’s high up the Lions’ wish list. Because at 6-foot-5, no one in this draft is better at going up for a 50-50 ball and making a play. And that’s exactly the kind of thing Detroit wants for an offense that often had issues pushing the ball downfield last year, and struggled with its size in the red zone.  Given all that, London is my favorite receiver for Detroit because of the length, big-play ability, knack for the 50-50 ball, as well as his prior experience with Amon-Ra St. Brown at USC. Don’t underestimate that experience, and expect Detroit to speak with St. Brown about London. Because that guy has earned this staff’s trust by embodying everything they want culture-wise.) (3-7-22):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/03/2022-nfl-combine-the-leader-for-the-second-overall-pick-more-observations-about-the-detroit-lions.html

USC WR Drake London to hold personal pro day before NFL draft (3-4-22):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2022/03/04/nfl-news-draft-drake-london-usc-pro-day-injury/

NFL Draft Combine Rumors: Jaguars High on Stingley, Jameson Williams; Dislike Thibodeaux (Jacksonville also really likes LSU cornerback Derek Stingley, and likes USC wide receiver Drake London.  While they like London, it bothers them that he won't workout at the combine and may not run the 40 at all before the draft. They like him, but don't sound like they have the enthusiasm to take London at the first pick.) (3-5-22):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Jaguars-High-on-Stingley,-Jameson-Williams;-Dislike-Thibodeaux

2022 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Down - Drake London, WR, USC:  Drake London wasn't able to work out at the combine because of the ankle injury he suffered in October. There's a chance London will be able to work out later during the pre-draft process, so this likely is not a big deal and won't disqualify London from being chosen in the top five, as seen in our 2022 NFL Mock Draft.) (3-4-22):  https://walterfootball.com/combine2022stockWR.php

2022 scouting combine: WR measurements reveal some surprises (Drake London, USC - London was listed as 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds by USC, but neither of those is close to accurate. In Indianapolis, London measured in much shorter and heavier than his alleged size from the Trojan program.  London checked in at just 6-foot-3 7/8″, over an inch shorter than expected. He weighed in at 219 pounds, which is heavier than expected and certainly bigger than he appeared in person during his media session on Wednesday morning.  For a player noted for his “above-the-rim” playing style and thriving on contested catches, the shorter-than-expected height and wingspan (77 3/4″) are disappointing.) (3-3-22):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-scouting-combine-wr-measurements-drake-london-garrett-wilson/

SoCal native and potential NFL star Drake London grew up cheering for Lions (3-3-22):  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/socal-native-drake-london-grew-up-cheering-for-detroit-lions

Galina: Why USC's Drake London should be WR1 in the 2022 NFL Draft (3-3-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-uscs-drake-london-wr1-in-the-2022-nfl-draft

Combine Interview Winners and Losers (Sources said Wilson was sharp on the board and they were impressed with his football IQ. They also liked how Burks interviewed, and London is said to be a solid kid. Both Pickett and Willis have the reputation for being a high-character leader who loves football and has the drive to work hard and get better.) (3-3-22):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Combine-Interview-Winners-and-Losers

TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 1 observations (Sun God: I asked USC wide receiver Drake London if he was surprised at all by the impact his former teammate and current Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had in the NFL as a rookie.  "No. That's the Sun God right there," London said. "Somebody who's very, very hard-working his demeanor and his mentality, something that I learned from there, no surprise to me.") (3-2-22):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-combine-day-1-observations-dulcich-burks-london

Lions could find WR they're looking for in 2022 draft class (London (6-5, 210) is a big-bodied receiver who says he tailors his game after other big receivers like Lions Legend Calvin Johnson and Tampa Bay's Mike Evans. He also played basketball at USC. London is so athletic, he said he can throw down a 540 dunk.  "I think I'm competing against everybody," London said of where he fits in this class of receivers. "We all have our different distinct versatile attributes, and that's what sets us apart from all of each other. And I'm just trying to find that one that I could set myself apart from everybody else."  It's certainly a deep and talented class at receiver, and it comes at a perfect time, when the Lions view adding a dynamic player on the outside as their biggest need on offense.) (3-2-22):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-could-find-wr-they-re-looking-for-in-2022-draft-class-williams-burks-

Big USC WR Drake London wants to run it back with Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit: ‘That’s the Sun God right there’ (3-2-22):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/03/big-usc-wr-drake-london-wants-to-run-it-back-with-amon-ra-st-brown-in-detroit-thats-the-sun-god-right-there.html

The 5 biggest names to watch at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine (4.  Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas:  Burks is a representative of yet another stacked class of rookie wideouts. He’s one of three players in the running to be the first receiver off the board alongside USC’s Drake London and Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson.  At a bulky 6’3 and 225 pounds, Burks could generate headlines with a blazing 40 time and skyscraping vertical leap. He was extremely productive in his junior season at Arkansas, hauling in 11 touchdowns in a 1,104-yard campaign. Five of his six 100-yard games came against SEC opponents, including 167 against Texas A&M and an eight-catch, 179-yard performance against Alabama.  London (+10000), however, is a bigger target at 6’5 who had 130+ receiving yards in 75 percent of his games last fall and runs buttery-smooth routes downfield. He could run his 40 in the low 4.4-second range to solidify his spot atop the draft. Wilson is smaller but a touchdown machine (12 in 11 games last fall) who fits more of the Ja’Marr Chase/DeVonta Smith mold from last year’s rookie class. All three are coveted prospects; the order in which they’re selected could come down to how they look at the Scouting Combine.) (3-2-22):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-scouting-combine-names-to-watch-malik-willis-aidan-hutchinson

Frelund: 4 things to look for at NFL scouting combine (2. Wideouts by type - My models currently rate Garrett Wilson as the No. 1-ranked wide receiver in this class. Last season at Ohio State, Wilson had a 141. 7 passer rating when targeted (No. 2 in the Big Ten) and had the best body control-earning yards-after-catch rating per Computer Vision. Alabama's Jameson Williams took a huge step forward in 2021, earning 9.3 yards after the catch per reception (No. 4 in Power Five), while USC's Drake London had an FBS-best 19 contested catches, per Pro Football Focus. All three project to have different impacts in different systems, so the combine will go a long way in sorting out how teams see/plan to use each guy.) (3-2-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/what-to-watch-for-at-2022-nfl-scouting-combine


Combine participants to watch for this week in Indianapolis (Drake London, WR, USC:  While the battle for the QB1 mantle is heating up, so too is the same debate over the top wide receiver in the draft.  One of the names firmly in that discussion is USC wideout Drake London. He fractured his right ankle back in October, causing him to miss the rest of the season, but is reportedly going to test at the Combine and according to some, he might just test “off the charts.”  While that remains to be seen, London looks like a receiver who can operate on the boundary as a traditional X receiver, or even operate out of the slot as a big-slot type of wideout. He showed the ability to win on vertical routes at the catch point, but also flashed an effective release package against press-aligned defenders. If he indeed does test off the charts, particularly when it comes to agility and change-of-direction drills, he could solidify his status at the top of the first round.) (3-1-22):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-combine-david-ojabo-kenny-pickett-malik-willis-skylar-thompson/

2022 NFL Combine: Malik Willis, Aidan Hutchinson top ones to watch (Which wide receiver has Pro Bowl potential as a rookie?  It was rare for a rookie pass-catcher to play at an all-star level, but the immediate success of Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in back-to-back years has scouts on the lookout for a receiver with the potential to make an immediate impact as a WR1. Although the 2022 class features an impressive collection of pass-catchers with a hodgepodge of supersized playmakers, crafty route runners and big-play specialists, the blue-chips of the class are not likely to crack the top 10 on draft day.  That said, there are a few receivers with the potential to put up big numbers as first-year contributors. Surveying the landscape, I would pay close attention to USC’s Drake London, Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson and Purdue’s David Bell as rookies with all-star potential.   While scheme fit certainly matters, London’s 6-foot-5 frame and NBA-caliber leaping ability will make him a hard guard on the perimeter. With quarterbacks increasingly targeting pass-catchers of extraordinary size and length in the red zone on critical downs, the USC standout could emerge as a prolific point scorer in Year 1.) (2-28-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2022-nfl-combine-malik-willis-aidan-hutchinson-top-ones-to-watch

8 Receivers for Lions to Watch at NFL Scouting Combine (USC's Drake London - The USC product has long been a fan favorite of Lions supporters who would love to see Detroit pair him with his former Trojans teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown.   It could be a match made in Heaven, and it might just happen if London is still available once the Lions' second of two first-rounders rolls around at No. 32 overall.) (2-27-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/wide-receivers-lions-watch-2022-combine

NFL Combine preview: 15 wide receivers the Lions should be watching (Drake London, USC, 6-foot-5, 212 (Suggested by Ryan):  Like Burks, London is a WR-X/Big Slot mismatch receiver that would fit perfectly with what the Lions are looking for. London doesn’t have elite speed, which could drop him down to the latter part of Round 1, and the Lions will surely be hoping he slides to pick No. 32. St. Brown’s teammate at USC would look good lined up next to him in Honolulu Blue. He’s going to look much more impressive in his game film than he will in Indianapolis.) (2-23-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/2/23/22944751/2022-nfl-combine-preview-15-wide-receivers-detroit-lions

2022 NFL combine: USC’s Drake London headlines deep receiver class as Detroit Lions search for playmaker (Drake London (USC): If the Lions want a big-time playmaker -- and make no mistake, that’s exactly what they want -- there aren’t many receivers who are bigger or made more plays than this guy. London played just eight games last season, yet still caught the 15th-most passes in the nation (88) for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. This dude averaged 7.3 catches for 97.8 yards per game for his career. Obscene. Just ask Amon-Ra St. Brown, who spent two years with him in the same receiver room at USC.  “He’s a beast,” St. Brown said. “The tape speaks for itself -- 6-4, 6-5, go up and make the big play. When I was there, I remember him being a freshman. He’s progressed each and every year, which is nice to see because when he first got there he was just a raw talent. Then sophomore year he got better. Junior year, you guys saw what he did this year. It’s unfortunate he got hurt, but I don’t think it’s going to affect him one bit.”  London fractured his ankle in October, which ended his season after just eight games. But he was invited to the combine anyway and is expected to participate. And a good showing in Indianapolis should confirm his place as a first-round prospect, and perhaps even the first receiver off the board. He’s just so big and so talented, especially on those downfield balls. That makes him a perfect complement piece for St. Brown, although it may take a trade for the Lions -- holding the Nos. 2 and 32 picks in the first round -- to get him.) (2-21-22):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2022/02/2021-nfl-combine-uscs-drake-london-headlines-deep-receiver-class-as-detroit-lions-search-for-playmaker.html

2022 Combine preview: Wide receiver (2. Drake London, USC, 6-5, 210:  London has a big frame and a large catch radius with experience playing both outside and in the slot. He might be the best 50-50 ball receiver in the draft with his size, ball skills and toughness. He might not be a true burner, but he uses his body to shield defenders and make plays. He caught 88 passes for 1,084 yards and seven scores in eight games for USC in 2021.) (2-16-22):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2022-combine-preview-wide-receiver-wilson-london-williams

2022 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl (Up - Drake London, WR, USC:  WalterFootball.com reported at the Senior Bowl that the Jets, who have two top-10 picks, were high on London. Sources from other NFL teams that also have top-10 selection are high on London as well, with some thinking London could be a Mike Evans-caliber receiver as a pro. London's tape has invigorated this rise in draft stock, and how far he rises could get even higher once the coaching staffs get involved in the draft process. London has a lot of admirers across various NFL teams, so he could easily end up as a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.) (2-15-22):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2022stock_23.php

2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five players at every position (1. Drake London:  The fact that London is WR1 in this class when he is not near the prototypical separator PFF is usually highest on should tell you all you need to know about his possession-receiver traits. The USC product was the single most dominant receiver at the catch point we have seen in eight years of grading college football.  London hauled in 19-of-28 contested opportunities to lead college football, even though he played only eight games in 2021. In those eight games, he also broke a ridiculous 22 tackles. London is as safe as it gets in this receiver class.) (2-10-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-ranking-top-five-players-at-every-position

2022 NFL Draft: Pros and cons for PFF's top five wide receivers (2. DRAKE LONDON, USC TROJANS (PFF Big Board Rank: 12) - Pros:  The former Trojan is a man among boys. He has dominant physicality that will still be there in the NFL.  London has loose hips for a tall receiver. He can legitimately shake defensive backs.  He has an unparalleled catch radius and remarkable body control at his size.  Cons:  London lacks speed. He's not going to run past corners.  He suffered a season-ending broken ankle in October.  He also dropped eight of his 96 catchable targets in 2021.) (2-7-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pros-and-cons-of-top-5-wide-receivers-2022-nfl-draft-chris-olave

2022 Senior Bowl Rumors: Friday (If the Lions don't take a pass rusher at No. 2, they could look to grab a No. 1 receiver. Some team sources feel USC's Drake London could be a Mike Evans-type wideout, and that would obviously be quality value for the second pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.) (2-4-22):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Senior-Bowl-2022-Rumors-Friday

Tony Pauline’s NFL News and Rumors: George Fant, Mekhi Becton, Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, and more (Drake London draws a variety of opinions. Teams like London’s ability but fear he’s just a big college wideout who’ll struggle separating at the next level.) (2-1-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-paulines-nfl-news-and-rumors-george-fant-mekhi-becton-garrett-wilson-jameson-williams-and-more/

Senior Bowl 2022 Rumors Tuesday (Yesterday in the Hot Press, we talked about how multiple team staffers think USC wide receiver Drake London could be a riser. On Monday, I spoke with a NFC director of player personnel who said: "If the draft were held today, I think London would go in the teens, but he could definitely rise into the top 10 in the months to come.") (2-1-22):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Senior-Bowl-2022-Rumors-Tuesday

Senior Bowl 2022 Rumors Monday (Two names led the offensive prospects: USC wide receiver Drake London and Tulsa left tackle Tyler Smith.  Pro teams have some speed concerns with London, but they love his mismatch size and his yards-after-the-xatch ability. Some sources think that he could be a cross between Mike Evans and Keenan Allen as a pro. Multiple sources from teams with top-5 picks love London, so he could rise into being a top pick by the time of the 2022 NFL Draft. Four of the top five teams picking in the top five need wide receiver help: the Jaguars, Lions, Texans and Jets. Thus, London has multiple landing spots that could lead to him going high in the first round.) (1-31-22):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Senior-Bowl-2022-Rumors-Monday

2022 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (3. DRAKE LONDON, USC
(BIG BOARD RANK: 23):  It’s a shame London’s season ended with a broken ankle after only eight games because he was on an unmatched statistical tear. He racked up 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven scores over that span. He’s a massive 6-foot-5, 210-pounder who still leads college football with 19 contested catches.) (1-3-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-rankings-wide-receivers-garrett-wilson-chris-olave-drake-london-treylon-burks

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: PFF's Top 100 Prospects (23. WR DRAKE LONDON, USC:  It’s a shame London’s season ended with a broken ankle after only eight games because he was on an unmatched statistical tear. He racked up 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven scores over that span. He’s a massive 6-foot-5, 210-pounder who still leads college football with 19 contested catches.) (12-27-21):https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-board-big-board

2022 NFL draft: 5 wide receivers to watch for the Detroit Lions (Drake London, WR, USC:  Speaking of somebody that would pair nicely around these parts -- say hello to Drake London.  The 6-foot-5, 210-pound junior was well on his way to an astonishing campaign before a leg injury cut his season short after eight games. London had 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. Ahem, once again, in only eight games. He and St. Brown shared the field for two seasons at USC, with the Lions rookie glowing when recently asked about the idea of a Trojan reunion in 2022. It’s hard to imagine a world where London isn’t a first-round pick too, so it’ll be interesting to see where he’s projected once we dive deeper into mock season.  PFF ranks him among the best against man coverage, in contested situations, yards per route (3.52) and receiving grade (91.8). He forced 22 missed tackles in those eight games and finished the year leading the nation with 19 contested catches. London is a force of nature with everything teams should look for in first-round talent.) (12-24-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/12/2022-nfl-draft-5-wide-receivers-to-watch-for-the-detroit-lions.html

2022 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Bowls I (2022 NFL Draft Stock Up - Drake London, WR, USC:  London is a bit of a love/hate prospect between different scouts. The evaluators who don't like London feel his speed is average at best and that he will struggle to get open enough in the NFL. The scouts who like London call him a cross between Keenan Allen and Mike Evans. They feel London is a good route-runner, who is surprisingly effective at uncovering for a big guy, and has good suddenness and feel for his size. Despite London's season-ending broken ankle, some sources think London could still be a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.) (12-14-21): https://walterfootball.com/draft2022stock_15.php

The 2021 PFF College Football All-America Team (WR DRAKE LONDON, USC:  London was on pace for a historically great year before going down with a season-ending injury in Week 9. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver — who was even on the USC basketball team at one point — earned a 91.8 receiving grade this season. He racked up 37 receptions against single coverage, 14 more than any other Power Five receiver at the time of his injury. He also forced 22 missed tackles and totaled 19 contested catches, four more than any other FBS wide receiver in the regular season despite him missing the final third of the year.) (12-13-21):https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2021-pff-all-america-team

Is Drake London Lions' Wide Receiver of Future? (12-9-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/nfl-scouting-report-usc-drake-london

2022 NFL Draft: USC star receiver Drake London declares after prolific junior season shortened by injury (12-9-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2022-nfl-draft-usc-star-receiver-drake-london-declares-after-prolific-junior-season-shortened-by-injury/

PFN’s All-Pac-12 Football Team Honors for the 2021 college football season (Pac-12 Wide Receiver of the Year: Drake London, USC.  On the flip side, no receiver was better than Drake London through the first eight games of action. Despite fracturing his ankle in Week 9, London still led the conference with 1,084 receiving yards in 2021. He bailed out Kedon Slovis on many occasions and would have likely led the country in every major receiving category had he finished the season.  First-Team All-Pac-12 Offense - WR: Drake London, USC) (12-7-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-pac-12-football-team-honors-for-the-2021-college-football-season/

NFL Draft prospects 2022: Updated big board of top 100 players overall, position rankings (26. Drake London, WR, USC (6-5, 210 pounds):  London matches his nice catch radius with great hands and quickness, which makes him a big-play and red zone threat in the Mike Evans vein.) (12-2-21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-2022-player-rankings-big-board/15xmexshw7ywc1u9ijg32sjwhr

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 prospect rankings at the end of the 2021 CFB regular season (15. Drake London, WR, USC:  Drake London‘s ankle injury suffered against Arizona deprived us of one of the truly great receiving performances this season. The USC wide receiver hasn’t played since the end of October, but his 1,084 receiving yards still leads the Pac-12 conference. As long as his medicals hold up, he’ll be one of the first pass catchers off the board in April.  London is something of a unicorn. I like to call him uncommon. He’s a 6’5″, 210-pound receiver, whose size makes him an obvious contested-catch and red-zone threat. However, he possesses deceptive athleticism and a competitive toughness that makes him a dangerous after-the-catch threat.) (12-1-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-big-board-top-50-prospects-w0/

The 2021 College Football All-Pac 12 Team (PAC-12 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - WR Drake London, USC Trojans:  London was amid a historically great year before going down with a season-ending injury in Week 9. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver — who was even on the USC basketball team at one point — earned a 91.8 receiving grade this year.  The USC pass-catcher racked up 37 receptions against single coverage in the 2021 season, 14 more than any other Power Five receiver at the time of his injury. He also forced 22 missed tackles and totaled 19 contested catches, four more than any other FBS wide receiver in the regular season despite missing the final third of the year.  First Team - WR Drake London) (11-29-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2021-all-pac-12-team-offensive-defensive-player-of-the-year-drake-london-usc-kayvon-thibodeaux-oregon

USC WR Drake London rises on Mel Kiper's NFL draft board (11-11-21):  https://trojanswire.usatoday.com/2021/11/11/2022-nfl-draft-usc-wr-drake-london-shoots-up-mel-kipers-board/

Fox sports Rob Rang's Big Board (24. Drake London, WR, Southern Cal, 6-foot-4, 210, JR:  Unfortunately, London suffered a fractured right ankle in USC’s 41-34 victory over Arizona on Saturday, ending his season and putting his NFL draft stock in flux. Assuming he can prove his health (and straight-line speed) to scouts prior to the draft, however, London is still worthy of first-round consideration. He was dominant prior to the injury, registering an eye-popping 88 grabs for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games. Given his size and physical nature, London is often compared to Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans, and that isn’t hyperbole.) (11-6-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-draft-big-board-kayvon-thibodeaux-ranks-no-1-but-dbs-dominate-2022-class

USC star wide receiver and NFL prospect Drake London will miss rest of season with ankle injury (10-31-21):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32523488/usc-star-wide-receiver-nfl-prospect-drake-london-miss-rest-season-ankle-injury


Drake London Deserves Heisman Trophy Hype Despite USC's Lost Season (10-27-21):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/drake-london-heisman-trophy-usc-stats-nfl-draft-01fjz4a246yt

PFF’s Heisman Rankings ahead of College Football Week 9 (12. WR Drake London, USC Trojans:  London is the engine of USC’s offense. He’s been targeted on 38% of his routes this season — the highest rate of any Power Five receiver. London has made the most of those reps, as evidenced by his Power Five leading 91.0 receiving grade. He’s bringing the physicality week-after-week and dominating in single coverage. London’s 19 contested catches are the most in the country and closing in on the PFF College record.) (10-27-21): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pffs-heisman-rankings-ahead-of-week-9-matt-corral-kayvon-thibodeaux-bryce-young

Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft: Drake London breaks into the top three (5) Treylon Burks, Arkansas:  Any time you find a 6’3″, 220-pound wide receiver with near 4.4 long speed, you’re going to be partial to that player. Treylon Burks has made it easy to root for him with his simple big-play generation ability. In this case, correlation is causation. When Burks is on the field for Arkansas, big plays happen. The hope is that the team that picks him in the 2022 NFL Draft will benefit the same way.  Burks’ rankings fluctuated on the consensus board, as he isn’t viewed as a great separator or technician across the board. Still, Burks received solid rankings all around, and he comes in as one of the top wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft. On top of his size and speed, Burks has dominant length and incomprehensibly large hands. He has the tools to be an elite contested-catch threat, and yet his strength right now is his run-after-catch ability. That’s why the upside is so enticing.) (10-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2022-nfl-draft-drake-london-breaks-into-the-top-three/

Detroit Lions 2022 draft watch: 10 prospects to watch this Saturday (Drake London, WR, USC (Junior):  One of the biggest and most talented receivers in this class, London has some strong Mike Evans vibes to his game and could be a potential future WR1 in the NFL. With elite body control, strength in his legs and hands, and the ability to turn a routine play into a big gain, London is an instant impact player. Despite his size, USC has used London primarily out of the slot, though he has expanded his game in 2021.  After drafting Amon-Ra St. Brown in the previous draft, the Lions surely have a wealth of film study on London and he is surely on their radar.) (10-23-21): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/10/23/22734224/detroit-lions-2022-draft-watch-10-college-prospects-to-watch

2022 NFL Draft All-Prospect Team entering College Football Week 8 (WR: DRAKE LONDON, USC:  The USC passing offense has run almost solely through London this season, as he’s already seen 88 targets, which has resulted in 64 catches for 832 yards and five scores in just six games. His work at the catch point has been unlike anything we’ve seen in the PFF era. London’s 18 contested catches are eight more than the next closest receiver in the country.) (10-22-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-all-prospect-team-college-football-week-8-2021


2021 midseason awards: Malik Willis for Heisman? A D-line sweep for Aidan Hutchinson? (FRED BILETNIKOFF AWARD: MOST OUTSTANDING RECEIVER - WR Drake London, USC Trojans:  London is the engine of USC's offense. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound wide receiver has been targeted on 36.7% of his routes this season, the second-highest rate in the country. And London has been making the most of that heavy load with the highest PFF grade among Power 5 wide receivers (89.7).  NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Randy Moss could reasonably use London's tape for his “You Got Mossed” segment during Monday Night Football on a weekly basis with how often the Trojans wideout is bodying defenders at the catch point. He has racked up 18 contested catches on 27 such targets this season. That's only five away from breaking the PFF College record for most single-season contested catches since we began collecting such data in 2017. London's physicality also is present after the catch, as he has shed 14 tackles so far in 2021, tied for the most in the country.) (10-14-21):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-midseason-awards-malik-willis-heisman-trophy-2021

2022 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Stock Watch: Jameson Williams emerges as wideout we need to take seriously (Drake London, USC: Stock Up.  Best catch - Ok, so not exactly a difficult grab, but London made hurdling a defender look far too easy on his touchdown against Utah. Check it.  Another day, another 100-plus yard for the monstrous wideout. He went off for 162 yards on 16 grabs in the loss to Utah, and he was effective in a variety of ways. Classic comebacks from the perimeter, screens when his YAC skills were highlighted, and of course deep shots down the sideline. London nearly made a spectacular snag falling out of bounds which required him to contort his body back to the ball in the third quarter but was ruled out of bounds.  He's been a pillar of productivity this season for the Trojans.)(10-11-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-stock-watch-jameson-williams-emerges-as-wideout-we-need-to-take-seriously

College Football Week 6: PFF’s Team of the Week and Player Awards (PFF TEAM OF THE WEEK - WR: Drake London, USC) (10-10-21): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-6-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2021

2022 NFL Draft WR Watch: Chris Olave rebounds (Drake London, USC: Stock Up - London won the Dunk Contest on Saturday against Colorado. Think 2000 Vince Carter. I counted three flat-out stupid high-point wins over a defender -- including an end zone fade in which I'm still wondering how he tracked the ball into his hands. There was also an amazing adjustment on an underthrown deep ball, and, in the fourth quarter, London took a screen, exploded upfield, and hurdled a defender, stayed on his feet and picked up more yardage. ) (10-4-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-stock-watch-chris-olave-rebounds-wandale-robinson-flashes-serious-juice/

College Football Week 5 Takeaways: Notable grades, advanced stats & more (USC’S DRAKE LONDON IS PUTTING TOGETHER A BILETNIKOFF KIND OF YEAR - Yes, USC has been a disaster this season. They came into the year with Pac-12 title aspirations, but they have already endured double-digit-point losses and are 2-2 in conference play.  However, wide receiver Drake London has been one giant positive for this team in 2021. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound pass-catcher has been the focal point of the offense each week, and he’s routinely delivering as he showed in the Trojans’ Week 5 win over Colorado, where he earned an 82.0 receiving grade.  London delivered several highlight-reel receptions in contested scenarios against the Buffs, which has become a weekly occurrence with him. Just see it for yourself below.  London finished with four contested grabs on Saturday. He now has 13 on the year, which not only leads the Power Five but does so by a significant margin of six. And that’s not the only stat he is dominating.  Drake London’s Notable Stats through Week 5 (w/ Power Five rank) - Receiving Grade 87.1 (2nd), Contested Catches 13 (1st), Broken Tackles 12 (T-1st), Explosive Receptions (15+ yard gains) 16 (2nd), Yards per Route Run 3.44 (6th), Target Rate 34.9% (3rd).  The sheer amount of single coverage London is seeing and beating is one of the most impressive feats in college football this season. He now has more than twice the number of receptions against single coverage than anyone else in the Power Five.  London is in the driver’s seat for the Biletnikoff — an annual award to the nation’s top pass-catcher.) (10-4-21): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-takeaways-grades-advanced-stats-2021 
College Football Week 5: PFF’s Team of the Week and Player Awards (PFF TEAM OF THE WEEK - WR: Drake London, USC) (10-3-21):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-x-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2021 

College Football Team of the Week: Sam Hartman destroys an Army (WR: Drake London, USC:  Drake London took the weekend by storm with highlight-reel moments we’ll be seeing for a while. After skying to grab a pass between three defenders, London gave college football one of its best one-handed receptions in some time.  A perfectly thrown back-shoulder throw in the red zone from Kedon Slovis saw London covered terrifically. Yet, London made a miraculous one-handed snag and stuck his feet in bounds for the score. It was his lone score of the game, but it was worth the price of admission on its own.) (10-3-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-5-team-of-the-week-honors/

College Football Players of the Week: David Ojabo and Logan Wright best of Week 5 (WR Drake London, USC:  Drake London isn’t the most physically gifted player in college football, but this kid competes harder than anyone. While he won’t create a ton of separation in his route running, London turns 50-50 balls into 70-30 in his favor. His ability to compete at the catch point and adjust to passes makes him the leading receiver in the country, and he added 130 yards and a touchdown to his résumé.) (10-3-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-players-of-the-week-2021-cfbwk-5/

2022 NFL Draft Stock Report: Risers and sliders from college football in Week 3 (Drake London, WR, USC:  It looked like it was going to go from bad to worse for USC. After surprisingly firing head coach Clay Helton two games into the season, the Trojans found themselves down 14-0 to lowly Washington State. Enter Drake London. The dominant receiver almost carried (or caught as it may be) the Trojans to victory.  His final totals included 13 receptions, 170 yards, and 2 TDs. Most impressively, London’s production came at the arm of the Trojans’ backup quarterback as starter Kedon Slovis left the game with an injury after just 2 passes.  London is more than just a big possession receiver who wins contested throws. He’s a silky smooth wideout who finds ways to separate from defenders and catches everything thrown in his direction. I presently grade London as an early second-round prospect. Based on everything I’ve been hearing, I fully expect the junior to enter the 2022 NFL Draft.) (9-21-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-stock-report-2021-cfbwk-3/

2022 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Stock Watch: USC's Drake London making us fall in love with big WRs again (Drake London, USC: Stock Up - London has become the most intimidating big receiver in college football. Through three games he has 29 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns. In the drubbing of Washington State, London had 13 snags for 170 yards and two of those scores.  Early in the game, London ran a crisp skinny post from deep in his own end and plucked the relatively high throw like it was thrown perfectly on target for a huge gain. Late in the first, to showcase his athletic gifts, London ran a slant, then broke sharply back to the outside on a scramble drill to move the chains. In the second half, London really got to work. He's just a headache to tackle on almost every catch he makes. London used his body like a shield on his in-breaking touchdown catch and on another slant in the third before a phenomenal rebound on a back-shoulder deep down the field.  Late in the third, London's advanced release package was on display on a slant before, again, playing well above the rim on a touchdown down the seam. He's genuinely one of the most athletic "big body" wideouts I've seen in a long time.) (9-20-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-stock-watch-uscs-drake-london-making-us-fall-in-love-with-big-wrs-again/

College Football Week 3: Team of the Week honors (WR: Drake London, USC:  A new top QB-WR combination was formed as Drake London reaped the benefits of the freshman QB Jaxson Dart’s insertion into the USC lineup. With Kedon Slovis banged up, interim head coach Donte Williams subbed and kept in the freshman Dart. That move paid major dividends for London, the dual-sport star.  London recorded 13 receptions for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to make catches at every level of the field was huge for his young QB as he adjusted to the speed of the game.) (9-19-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-2021-cfbwk-3/

Drake London dominates as USC blows out Washington State (9-18-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/09/18/usc-washington-state-drake-london-nfl-draft/

2022 NFL Draft Stock - Week 2 (Draft Stock Down - Drake London, WR, USC:  London is a dangerous college wide receiver who provides a size mismatch, an ability to win 50-50 passes, and is a physical, tough runner after the catch. The real concerns with all big wide-outs, of course, are speed and if they can separate from NFL cornerbacks. Team sources that have watched London play say his speed looks average at best. If London doesn't show playing speed to separate this season and then runs slow in pre-draft workouts, he could be more of a second-day or mid-round prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft. Stay tuned.) (9-14-21):   https://walterfootball.com/draft2022stock_02.php

2022 NFL Draft WR Watch: Alabama's Metchie next in line (Drake London, USC: Stock Up - pBelieve me, I know -- big receivers are not in style in the NFL. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Laquon Treadwell, and Hakeem Butler hurt me enough. London is different. I'm about 90% sure of it. His first snag of the season was a shining example as to why. He ran a sharp out-breaking route -- that was sold wonderfully with an inside fake -- then summoned his inner Reggie Bush with an awesome back juke near the sideline before exploding upfield and finishing the catch-and-run with a thunderous truck stick.  Even at 6-foot-5, London can actually separate on a variety of routes and produce on something other than a contested catch. He got open throughout the opener against San Jose State and had an exclamation point late in the game, when he Moss'd a Spartans cornerback down the field on third down. ) (9-6-21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-stock-watch-alabamas-wr-factory-still-churning-out-top-talent/

Pac-12 2022 NFL Draft prospects and scouting reports (4. Drake London, USC:  This Drake may not spit bars or release platinum albums, but Drake London can be a star in his own right. At one point, he was the “next man up” for USC, behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns. But now, those two are gone, and London is the top dog in Graham Harrell’s offense. Thus, he could be poised for his best season yet.  If you thought Burks was big, London is bigger. He stands at a towering 6’5″, 210 pounds. But for that size, his strengths may surprise you. Sure, he’s a great contested-catch receiver with outstanding toughness, reach, and timing in tight spaces. But on top of that, London has excellent run-after-catch ability as well, and he’s supremely elusive for his size. He doesn’t have the speed or burst of Burks, but he can be just as dangerous in space.) (9-5-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pac-12-prospects-scouting-reports-2022-nfl-draft/2/

2022 NFL Draft: Thibodeaux top prospect in the Pac-12 (Wide receivers Drake London and Bru McCoy have immense potential and should be primary targets for Slovis.) (9-1-21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-pac-12-prospect-preview-edge-rushers-kayvon-thibodeaux-drake-jackson-top-prospects-out-west/

Top wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft include Garrett Wilson, David Bell (8-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-top-wide-receivers-justyn-ross-chris-olave/

Draft: Comprehensive WR class primer (Chris Olave, Ohio State (Drake London, USC (Reminds me of: Brandon Marshall.  Feels like: Round 2 talent.  How he wins: YAC power, towering size, deceptive quicks.  Needs to improve: Speed):  London is a monster truck in the open field. He opts to run completely through defenders, and has the frame and on-field mindset to do it. The budding USC star is listed at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. Now I know what you're thinking -- how is that style going to work in the NFL? Well, if that's all London brought to the field, he'd be a limited prospect. Except it's not. He's one of the smoothest 6-5 receivers I've scouted. Seriously. London even moonlighted on the basketball team in 2019-2020. Those movement capabilities -- and we all know how athletic Division I basketball players are -- help London create separation despite his tall frame, and his balance is impeccable. If he's gotten faster this offseason, London can be the exception to the trend in the NFL and be picked early as an oversized wideout in the 2022 draft.) (8-13-31):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-draft-ohio-state-sec-pass-catchers-highlight-deep-wide-receiver-class/

Evan Neal, Aidan Hutchinson and more of PFF's top-50 2022 NFL Draft Prospects make Bruce Feldman's Freaks List (60. WR DRAKE LONDON, USC (22ND):  London’s 38-inch vertical should come as no surprise given his basketball background. His dunk contest performances from high school were the stuff of legend. While his speed is still a question mark, the 6-foot-5 London has one of the largest catch radii you’ll see from a draft prospect.) (8-12-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-bruce-feldmans-freaks-list-pff-2022-top-50-draft-board
Top 10 2022 NFL Draft prospects in the Pac-12 (WR DRAKE LONDON, USC (JUNIOR):  Big-bodied, contested–catch specialists are decidedly not PFF's type. We gravitate toward separators at the receiver position 99 times out of 100. After pouring through London’s tape, though, he just might be that one outlier. Currently WR3 in our preseason rankings, London gets that spot because of how physically imposing he is. At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, London combines elite body control with a mean streak. It’s a big reason why he broke an absurd 14 tackles on only 33 catches last season.  We shy away from guys who only produce at the catch point because it’s a difficult skill to translate consistently against the larger, more physical corners in the NFL. However, London might be freakishly athletic enough to continue his dominance in the league. Just check out what he was doing on the basketball court back in high school (and still has been doing as a member of USC’s basketball team).  With only two drops on 74 catchable opportunities in his career, London will easily fill any “security blanket” role at the next level.) (8-7-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-2022-nfl-draft-prospects-pac-12 

College Football: Ranking the top 10 wide receiver duos entering 2021 (8. USC: DRAKE LONDON + BRU MCCOY:  London looks poised for a monstrous 2021 junior campaign. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound wide receiver came to USC as a four-star recruit and was a two-sport athlete who also played for the Trojans' basketball team. This past season, London tied for the third-best receiving grade in the Pac-12, with the two players ahead of him — Simi Fehoko and former teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown — now being in the NFL. He has displayed some of the best hands in the country in his two years with the program.  London didn’t drop a single pass this past season and ranks second among Power Five wide receivers in drop rate beyond the line of scrimmage since 2019. He is also hard to bring down after the catch. London ranks eighth among Power Five receivers in broken tackles forced after the catch in his college career (27) despite slotting in at 53rd among that group in catches (72).  After London, USC and quarterback Kedon Slovis aren't short of high-ceiling receiving options. Perhaps the player with the most upside among that group is 2019 five-star recruit Bru McCoy. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, McCoy knows how to use his physicality to his advantage and is an impressive all-around athlete for his size. In 2020, McCoy broke six tackles on 21 receptions, went four-for-four on contested opportunities and generated a 130.1 passer rating on his targets. He was limited this past spring but should be the one starting opposite London on the outside, where he can finally showcase his skills over the course of a full season.) (7-13-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-top-10-wide-receiver-duos-2021

The PFF Preseason College Football All-Pac-12 Team: USC QB Kedon Slovis, Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux lead the way (First-Team: Drake London, USC:  London is officially dedicating his college career to football full time after also playing basketball at USC. And he is arguably the best wideout in the Pac-12. London was a 2019 four-star recruit who earned a major role right away in a loaded USC wide receiver unit. He emerged in Week 8 as a true freshman, and from that point on, he was one of the 10 highest-graded players at the position in the conference. This past year, London tied for third in receiving grade in the conference, with the two players ahead of him — Simi Fehoko and former teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown — now in the NFL.  Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds, London has a massive catch radius and good ball skills. He ranks second among Power Five wide receivers in drop rate when targeted beyond the line of scrimmage (2.9%). London is unafraid to make plays over the middle of the field and is a weapon after the catch thanks to his size and physicality. In fact, he ranks eighth among Power Five receivers in broken tackles forced after the catch in his college career (27) despite slotting in at 53rd among that group in catches (72).) (6-30-21): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-rankings-pff-preseason-all-pac-12-team-2021

Early 2022 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings and class overview (3. DRAKE LONDON, USC (JUNIOR):  One name kept coming to mind when watching London’s tape: Brandon Marshall.  At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, London has unique size for the position. What’s eerily reminiscent of Marshall is what he can do after the catch, as London refuses to go down with the ball in his hands and is nothing short of a YAC monster. As you can see, he can not only run through defenders, but he can also make defensive backs miss, even at his size.  London has broken 27 tackles on only 72 catches in his two years at USC. That shiftiness no doubt hails from his basketball background. After racking up 502 yards in only six games as a true sophomore, expect big numbers out of London this fall.) (6-17-31):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Early top 50 prospect rankings (34. Drake London, WR, USC:  Often, 6-foot-5 receivers are going to be one-dimensional. That isn’t the case, however, with Drake London. As expected, he doesn’t have top-end speed, but London still has plenty of appealing traits beyond his frame. His frame does give him an advantage in contested situations, but London has solid elusiveness and toughness after the catch. London is an elite competitor, and at his size, he won’t lose many one-on-one fights.) (5-8-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-big-board-top-50-prospects/
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