Drake London makes incredible sideline catch during preseason matchup vs. Bengals

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London is already impressing in his second season in the NFL. On Friday, the former USC standout hauled in a nasty catch in the Falcons’ preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The jaw-dropping snag came in the Falcons’ first drive of the game. London went up on a deep ball against Cincinnati cornerback DJ Turner II, coming down with the pigskin on his back. This season will be London’s second with the Falcons, who drafted him with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

London appeared in 17 games in 2022, recording 72 receptions for 866 yards and four touchdowns. London’s 72 receptions are the most by a rookie in franchise history. The 6-foot-4 wideout averaged 12 yards per reception. London was even more spectacular in his three collegiate seasons.

In three seasons at USC, London collected 160 career receptions (17th on USC’s career list) for 2,153 yards (16th on USC’s all-time chart) and 15 touchdowns. Additionally, London averaged 13.5 yards per catch.

For his efforts, London was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and made the All-Pac-12 first team in 2021. Further, Pro Football Focus selected London for its All-American first team. Falcons fans can only hope London can replicate his collegiate success at the professional level.

Drake London breakout season 🔜 pic.twitter.com/v7tdbvM5IG

— PFF (@PFF) August 18, 2023

As of this report, the Falcons are tied 3-3 with the Bengals at the halftime break.

Grady Jarrett expects breakout season from Drake London

London’s tip-toe catch might be the first of many highlight plays this season. During a recent appearance on “Good Morning Football,” Falcons’ defensive end Grady Jarrett recently revealed his high expectations for the second-year WR.

“Everybody talking about the Falcons. We run the ball. We run the ball. We drafted a running back,” Jarrett said. “Let me tell you something. I watched [London] work day in and day out, and I think it’s his time to shine. Desmond [Ridder] and him already have a great rapport.

“I’m excited to see Drake London take this next step,” Jarrett said. “He’s a super tough dude. He’s a super likable guy, but, at the end of the day, he’s a dog competitively, and I think Drake London is going to surprise a lot of people.”

If Atlanta can iron out its issues behind center, London could be due for a landslide season. In 2022, the 6-foot-4 receiver was forced to catch passes from an inconsistent source, as the Falcons rotated between Marcus Mariota and Ridder.