Drake London: Coming in with same mindset no matter what phase Falcons franchise is at

The Atlanta Falcons recently had a press conference to introduce wide receiver Drake London who they selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. During the press conference, London gave Falcons fans a taste of his mentality and what he is going to bring to the team. Arguably the best demonstration of that was when one reporter asked the former USC Trojan about the difference in his mindset playing for a rebuilding team.

“I think I would have the same mindset either way,” said London. “I came here to win and that’s the end goal. I came here to contribute any way I possibly can at the end of the day we’re trying to build a winning culture. Yeah I will come in with the same mindset regardless.”

London became the 84th USC Trojans to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft as he went No. 8 overall to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

London becomes the highest-selected USC wide receiver since Keyshawn Johnson was selected No. 1 overall by the New York Jets in the 1996 draft. He was also the first wide receiver selected and just the third offensive player — and first offensive skill player — taken in the draft.

London Battles Back From Injury

London received an invite to the NFL Combine in early March but did not participate in any drills. He then took part in an individual pro day at USC earlier this month. That one was pushed back from his initial date of April 5 due to a hamstring strain.

There, London ran some routes while catching passes from quarterback trainer Jordan Palmer. But London again did not test.

The lack of quantifiable speed and timed runs did not scare off NFL teams. London was considered a first-round pick during early mock drafts for 2022 and never fell out of that round. Expectations will be high for London to contribute early in his NFL career, given this draft slot.