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5 hours ago
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USC watched a past superstar rank No. 1 on the wide receiving end ahead of the NFL season. Except Drake London took the top in a rare, unique category.
London is fresh off delivering his first 100-catch season. He also racked up 1,271 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Were those numbers enough to make him the top overall wide receiver?
The USC standout did indeed claim No. 1. But in a category not often thought of by fans. Yet a category Pro Football Focus unveiled Thursday.
London is the league's top safety blanket. PFF called him the NFL's top target when quarterbacks faced pressure from pass rushers. How did London claim No. 1 in a category not often thought of?
Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Lauren Gray of PFF broke down why London is the NFL's top safety blanket WR.
"London caught 22 of 37 pressured targets for 303 yards in 2024. He moved the chains 14 times, gained 32 yards after contact and recorded eight gains of 15-plus yards, earning a 77.6 PFF receiving grade when his quarterback was pressured," Gray detailed.
Gray then dove into London's production when pass rushers got free and made a beeline to the QB.
"Over the past two seasons, London has been targeted 65 times with his passer facing pressure (10th most), and he owns a strong 80.2 PFF receiving grade on those plays," Gray said. "He has 35 catches in those situations for 515 yards and 24 first downs."
PFF added how London comes with a 21.1% threat rate on passes thrown with heavy pressure.
Sounds like incoming QB1 Michael Penix Jr. has London as the first guy to look to when a pass rusher penetrates through the protection.
London, meanwhile, enters his fourth season with the franchise that grabbed him inside the top 10 of his draft class. He's also guaranteed to stay with Atlanta through 2026 after earning a restructured deal in June.
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