Drake London came to USC as a two-sport athlete, truly not knowing if his future would be on the football field or the basketball court.
The answer came rather quickly and clearly his freshman season when he was simply too good to keep off the field despite a veteran-laden Trojans receiving corps. By the end of that season, London had established himself on par with the likes of his older teammates Michael Pittman, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns.
By his sophomore season he was arguably the top playmaker on the team, and by his junior season London was arguably one of the top talents in all of college football.
He caught 88 passes for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns in 7.5 games last season before a fractured ankle ended his season, his pursuit of the Biletnikoff Award and potentially USC records. He was leading all Power 5 conference receivers in receptions and yards and that time.
It was a devastating blow to London and USC fans alike looking something to root for in a lost season, but fortunately it was not at all devastating to London's NFL draft stock.
Six months after that injury, London was selected at the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday night, going to the Atlanta Falcons.
He was the first receiver and first offensive skill position player overall selected.
It marks the third straight year USC has had a first-round NFL draft pick, following offensive tackles Austin Jackson in 2020 (No. 18 overall) and Alijah Vera-Tucker in 2021 (No. 14).
London is the Trojans' highest draft pick since QB Sam Darnold went No. 3 overall in the 2018 draft. He's the first USC WR to go in the first round since Nelson Agholor went No. 20 overall in 2015 and the highest Trojans WR draft pick since Keyshawn Johnson was No. 1 overall in 1996.
Ultimately, the ankle injury proved to be no hurdle for NFL decision-makers. If there was any question about London it usually came back to his top-end speed, as his most impressive skill is his ability to win contested catches and beat defenders with his athleticism and size. He also didn't run an official 40-yard dash prior to the draft.
London seemed amused when asked about any such questions during his USC pro day earlier this month.
"Separating when the dude is right below me, over the top of him, separating at the release, separating running by him. I mean, you can see all sorts of separation on film so at the end of the day just go watch that," London said.
"... Watch film, pretty much. At the end of the day, just watch film. Don’t really have to blow by guys to catch a ball. I can at the end of the day, but I really don’t have to."
The Atlanta Falcons saw the film and couldn't pass on one of the most unique talents in the draft.
