Drake London reveals what he can add to Atlanta Falcons culture

The Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, wide receiver Drake London is ready to help set the tone for the Falcons heading into the future. During his press conference to formally introduce him as a member of the team, London reveals what he can add to the Atlanta Falcons culture.

“I would say intensity,” said London. “Would I consider myself a leader? Yes. But at the same time, I am a rookie. I have to go through all the ropes. Probably going to be carrying shoulder pads and helmets all the time, and you know rookie dinner and things like that. But I would definitely say in the future, I would like to be a leader.”

The Moorpark, Calif. native was a high school star in both football and basketball. On the gridiron, London was ranked as the nation’s No. 42 wide receiver and the No. 241 best overall prospect in the country in the 2019 recruiting class according to the On3 Consensus.

Atlanta has been looking to add weapons for Marcus Mariota and will be adding an elite pass catcher in London for the next four to five years. Between an injury and the 2020 season, London’s game total is low for a three-year starter. However, he still finished with an impressive 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns on 160 receptions in just 27 career games.

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. 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.