'Why Drake London?'
In the mold of Brandon Marshall -- meshed with Tee Higgins' in-air athleticism
Separation capabilities & physicality
London changes angles and creates tempo well at the line of scrimmage.
He doesn’t have a large toolbox - his is one that is predicated to create just enough space so he can use his physicality & stature to make a play.
When watching London run slants from the boundary re-directing defensive backs is his priority.
He doesn’t win with raw speed or elite quickness, but rather a nice blend of physicality & the ability to create relevant space for the situation.
London played out of the slot often during his 2020 season, but in 2021 we saw more boundary-side wins.
At the NFL level, he can be deployed at X or in the slot to create a size advantage.
For a larger framed receiver, London is quicker than you would think at the line of scrimmage.
"Really nice use of hands" is something I continually write down when evaluating him in route.
Great use of hands early in routes to create room on his breaks.
Again, doing just enough at the line of scrimmage then the use of hands to gain additional space. Watch the placement of his hands when the ball is coming. Right in the midsection, difficult for the referees to stop, and just enough to create an easy window.
"Separation" isn't just the dramatic opening of space created.
Through break transitions & play speed
“For his size” is what I continually say with London when it comes to his capabilities during acceleration & top-end speed.
Below average in each category in totality, but has enough top-end speed to aid in him being a consistent vertical threat.
After the catch, he displays impressive movement skills for nearly 6'4".
Not a burner, but changes speed & tempo well for his size.
More abrupt than you would think - has the ability to sell & separate on double moves. Then you see his calling card, the ability to finish in contested situations.
London plays through contact extremely well.
He's able to get to where he needs to be and work through tight coverage.
The subtle shoulder push when he is working back to the football is one of the many ways he creates space for himself.
Capabilities after the catch
We saw him regularly being used around the line of scrimmage as a screen and sweep option during this past season.
London is a true three level threat, and should immediately be used as such in the NFL.
London is a fluid lateral mover.
He has sound decelerative qualities and is able to create in the open field.
While he isn’t an explosive athlete, he is a threat to consistently earn yards after the catch.
London shows the ability to string together in succession - London does this better with the ball in his hands than in route.
If he develops into using the same level of creativity and freedom as a route runner he will be an even bigger danger to defensive backs.
We see the physicality again in singular engagements.
Underrated capabilities after the catch - never goes down easy.
Success in contested catch situations
Nothing fancy at the line of scrimmage, just buying enough time to get in position to make this play.
London’s game is all about being in the right spot, which he gets to with regularity.
Even when the defensive back is in a good position, London is a fantastic in-air athlete who displays top-shelf body control.
Having the frame is one thing, using it is another.
Tee higgins-like in the air.
London is exceptional at walling off defenders with his frame.
When you couple that with his length, and physicality you get a potential perennial pro-bowler at the position.
In-air athleticism
Again, London’s game isn’t about creating large amounts of separation.
He routinely creates enough to make a play on the ball on vertical routes.
The extension, then the body awareness to contort while pulling it down away from the defender.
Similar to the play above.
London likes to work up the left boundary to pull the ball down towards the sideline, away from the defender at full extension.
Like clockwork, left side of the field pulls the ball down boundary side.
Incredibly tough for the defender to make a ball on the ball when London is falling away.
Unique, go-to move for London.
Ascension grades
Tier 1: 75.00 & over -- Gold Jacket potential
Tier 2: 65.00 - 74.99 -- All-pro ceiling
Tier 3: 55.00 - 64.99 -- Pro-bowl ceiling
Tier 4: 49.98 - 54.99 -- High floor primary receiving option
Tier 5: 44.96 - 49.97 -- High ceiling / High-risk prospect
Tier 6: 39.50 - 44.95 -- Niche role player / spot producer
Tier 7: 39.49 & below -- Depth player with low ceiling
