There aren’t many players in the league that second-year wide receiver Drake London can view through a veteran prism. But one of them is Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson.
Based on early offseason workouts, London says he likes what he sees from the 2023 No. 8 overall pick.
“What I’ve seen so far from Bijan, level-headed kid, very, very humble, he works hard, he don’t say much,” London told the media on the second day of OTA practices on May 24. “So, already right now, he’s on a great path with coach Smith (and) has done with Kyle [Pitts] and me.
“So, just keep him on the right path and he’s going to do great.”
Interestingly, London is only about six months older than Robinson. London was also the No. 8 selection in the draft but in the class prior to Robinson.
As a rookie, London recorded 72 receptions for 866 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Inside and outside the Falcons facility, Robinson has similar expectations for his rookie season. As London explained, Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith has become pretty good at feeding the ball to offensive playmakers drafted in the top 10.
Before drafting London at No. 8 in 2022, the Falcons picked tight end Kyle Pitts at No. 4 in the 2021 draft.
Pitts is only nine months older than London. All three weapons will be 22 or younger in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
Pitts dealt with injuries during his second season. But he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, recording 68 catches for 1,026 yards and a touchdown. Pitts became just the second tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie.
Falcons fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about those three skilled players. London’s comments will do nothing to temper that excitement.
