News Summary
In a remarkable season performance, Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons achieved 100 receptions for 1,271 yards and 9 touchdowns. Despite these impressive stats, he was overlooked for Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. London’s adaptability under pressure was highlighted, having excelled in difficult situations throughout the season. The Falcons have recognized his talent by exercising his fifth-year option, ensuring his future with the team. London’s achievements place him among the top players in the league, with hopes for a Pro Bowl appearance in the upcoming season.
Atlanta – Drake London, the wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, has achieved a significant milestone in his career during the 2024 NFL season, finishing with a career-high 100 receptions for 1,271 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. His outstanding performance not only marked a personal best but also placed him among the elite in the league, ranking fourth in receiving yards and ninth in both receptions and touchdowns for the season.
Despite these impressive statistics, London was notably absent from both Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections in 2024. This recognition gap has raised questions among fans and analysts, especially given his statistics that demonstrate his effectiveness even under pressure. Pro Football Focus reported that London was the most targeted wide receiver in pressured situations, making 22 catches on 37 pressured targets for a total of 303 yards.
Further, London has proven to be reliable in pressure situations over the past two seasons, receiving 65 targets (ranking him 10th among NFL receivers) and recording 35 completions for 515 yards and 24 first downs. His performance earned him an 80.2 PFF receiving grade over this period, while he maintained a 77.6 PFF receiving grade during pressured plays specifically in 2024.
London’s strong performance has not gone unnoticed, as he has been recognized as one of the top 100 players in the NFL, ranking 97th in the NFL’s Top 100 Players for 2025. His ability to thrive in high-stakes situations has drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike, highlighting his competitive nature on the field.
In recognition of his potential and contributions to the team, the Falcons have exercised London’s fifth-year option, which secures his contract with the team through the 2026 season. His journey with the Falcons began when he was drafted in 2022 as the eighth overall pick. Since then, he has shown continuous improvement, reaching the pivotal 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time during the 2024 season, achieving this milestone in a Week 17 game.
Coaching and Team Dynamics
London’s growth as a player also coincided with significant changes in the Falcons’ offensive structure, including the introduction of a new offensive coordinator and the utilization of two new quarterbacks throughout the season. This adaptability may have played a role in his breakout performance. London’s development has been acknowledged by the coaching staff, particularly his wide receiver coach, who noted his business-like commitment to improving and excelling in his role.
Historical Context
With this season, London has joined an exclusive group in Falcons history, becoming only the fifth player to achieve 100 receptions in a single season—a feat last accomplished by Julio Jones in 2018. The Falcons are optimistic about London’s potential to make the Pro Bowl in 2025, especially with a full offseason training alongside quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
As the NFL looks toward the next season, the performance and growth of players like Drake London will be crucial for their teams. With his eyes set on future achievements and his track record indicating a steep upward trajectory, London appears poised to continue making a significant impact in the league.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Falcons Focus on Offseason Developments
Additional Resources
- SI: Drake London NFL Offseason News
- Wikipedia: Drake London
- Atlanta Falcons: Drake London NFL Top 100 Players
- Google Search: Drake London Atlanta Falcons
- The Falcons Wire: Drake London NFL Top 100 Players
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drake London
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
