In 2022, the Atlanta Falcons spent the No. 8 overall pick on former USC Trojans standout wide receiver Drake London. Then, in 2024, they spent the same pick on former Washington Huskies superstar quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and now, the pair is looking to build one of the best connections of Pac-12 alumni in the NFL.
As Penix prepares for his first full season as a starter, he’s going to rely heavily on London, who has pulled in 241 catches for 3,042 yards and 15 touchdowns over his three seasons in the NFL. During Penix’s three games as a starter, London tallied 22 catches on 29 targets for 352 yards and a pair of scores.
London has always been considered one of the league’s most underrated receivers due to a lackluster string of quarterbacks throwing him the ball, and when asked if he’s underappreciated by the NFL, Penix couldn’t be more confident in his top target.
“He won’t after this year,” Penix said confidently, adding that he believes the 6-foot-4, 215-pound pass catcher is a top ten wide receiver in the NFL.
With Penix at the helm, the Falcons are primed to take a big leap forward in a weak NFC South division. Thanks to a strong supporting cast, headlined by London and running back Bijan Robinson, and aided by a strong offensive line, Atlanta is poised to improve on its 8-9 record.
Penix put the Falcons in a great position to go 3-0 down the stretch; however, the quarterback who made a name for himself with his big-time throws in clutch situations went 1-2 over his first three starts at the NFL level due to a lackluster defense that failed to get him the ball in two games that went to overtime. After spending four of their five draft picks on defense, the Falcons have also revamped their defense to help out the young quarterback.