As we get closer to draft day in April, there is a lot of uncertainty about which direction the Las Vegas Raiders are going when it’s their turn to pick. While some may argue that a certain receiver from Ohio State should be targeted, Texas A & M’s DeMarvin Leal should also warrant consideration. While you can’t go wrong with either choice, I’m here to throw another name into the hat. USC’s Drake London is a name that the Silver and Black should target.
Why Drake?
There are bigger names across the board that would help the team, but London could be another playmaker to complement Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller. Before his season-ending injury, he gave the entire Pac-12 nightmares whenever he was on the field. He had 1,084 receiving yards with seven touchdowns on top of eighty-eight receptions. Not to mention, he’s a big-bodied receiver, towering at six-foot-five and 210 pounds. With a game that directly mirrors Mike Evans’, he could easily fill the current void if chosen by the Raiders.
What About The Injury?
While yes, the injury could be a concern, that shouldn’t scare whomever the general manager is from potentially drafting him. He is expected to have successfully healed from his ankle injury and be ready for his draft workouts. He has so many great playmaking skills in his arsenal that it would be shocking to see him get passed on for other names. London is simply one of those can’t-miss prospects that will change your offense in a major way. Imagine an offense with Renfrow, Waller, and London? Opposing defensive coordinators will lose sleep next season.
Drake London, Wide Receiver
– Contested catch king 👑
– 6’5†frame
– Plays with tremendous balance and athletic ability that is spotlighted in his film
– Is dangerous with the ball in his hands
– Doesn’t turn 21 until JulyPlaying style reminds me of Mike Evans. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/hUcff7g0EE
— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) January 25, 2022
Wishful Thinking
In the context of reality, it’s possible that Las Vegas doesn’t draft him with their pick. As they can choose a number of different receivers, it’s just my personal opinion that they should target him due to his sleeper season that was sadly ended due to an injury. Then again, on draft day, there have been many surprises, so who knows? Drake is already projected as a first-round pick in many mock drafts, but there’s always the chance of him slipping. Regardless, if the team is unable to sign a big-name free agent this offseason, London would be a nice “plan B.”
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*Top Photo: Keith Birmingham/Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG
