Atlanta Falcons first round draft brings special playmaker

The Atlanta Falcons have finally made their first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, finally ending the question of who the team was slated to pick? From the end of the season to now, it was rumored that Atlanta was going quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, or defensive back, four of the many positions with glaring holes.

From there, the Deshaun Watson debacle happened, Matt Ryan was traded, Calvin Ridley was suspended, and it felt like 2007 all over again for the franchise.

However, it appears as though one of the answers for the Falcons has been submitted by the franchise to commissioner Roger Goodell tonight.

Would the team address their defensive woes by taking a possible playmaker that could bring u the worst sack total in the league (and some players)? Or would they address the offensive woes?

Take it away, Commissioner Goodell.

“With the eighth pick, in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select…

Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC”

At first glance, the Falcons have found a player who most likely will contribute immediately to a franchise looking to regain any sort of relevancy in a highly competitive NFC.

Also, it’s clear what Atlanta’s plan is: they were going to trade Ridley this year and bring in his replacement with their first-round selection. The suspension threw those plans off by a year, but who are we to know?

Keep in point: this draft pick does NOT mean we’re predicting the Falcons are making the playoffs this year. Rather, it’s a good beginning for the team moving forward.

Furthermore, while there were plenty of other players left on the board for the Falcons, perhaps this was the “best player available” from their scouts. And at 6-foot-4, pairing him with a 6-foot-6 target in Pitts from last year could mean Atlanta’s wanting to run a pass-heavy offense next year.

But London’s comparisons to guys like Larry Fitzgerald and Mike Evans, while humongous reaches by experts, could very well happen down the line. It is unfair to put these Hall of Fame-worthy receivers in the same breath, yet stranger things have happened in the NFL.

While some of the negative reactions at the moment are justified, we must remember one thing: it’s what the player brings on film that will eventually make their overall league reputation.

Who knows? This young man might just be the answer the Falcons needed to bring some extra clarity to what their plan is for the 2022 season.