When the Atlanta Falcons selected Drake London with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, they expected him to emerge as a playmaker in the offense. And now after two seasons in the league, it sounds like they’re expecting him to take that next step toward stardom.
This week, new Atlanta Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard was not shy in demanding improvement from Drake London, who he expressed his excitement about and wants to see take “the next steps” as a star receiver.
“I’ve watched them all; some big-game talent there,” Hilliard said according to the Atlanta Falcons team website. “Drake is obviously the one we’re really excited about. We need him to take the next steps now as a player, and we’re looking forward to coaching him, pushing him and getting him where he needs to go.”
More specifically, Hilliard called on London to “dictate the coverage, make it easier for the quarterback to see what’s going on, command the ball when you get 1-on-1 attention, make plays and be a legitimate factor on a week-to-week basis.”
Obviously, the Falcons have a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position, but if London can indeed “take that next step,” it will help whoever is playing quarterback for the team.
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