Among three obvious 2nd-year breakout candidates at WR, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave have received the most hype ahead of the 2023 season. That’s reflected in their current Underdog ADPs, with Olave and Wilson both currently coming off the board inside the Top-12 of the WR position. Look further down the board, though, and you’ll find that there’s another sophomore receiver who also had himself an underrated rookie season: Drake London. Unlike Wilson and Olave, his QB situation hasn’t changed drastically – but his talent and production last year are both very encouraging.
London suffered greatly as a result of Marcus Mariota’s poor QB play through most of the 2022 season, but saw a significant increase in multiple usage metrics and overall fantasy production once Desmond Ridder took over at QB. That included both a positive change by almost 5 points per game when the Falcons switched to Ridder, as well as an unbelievable 40% increase in London’s air yards share up to 69.5%!
With Ridder set to start for the Falcons in 2023 after a full offseason of work as the presumptive QB1, London could reprise his role as Ridder’s favorite target in a passing game lacking real weapons outside of himself and Kyle Pitts. The Falcons might be one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL once again, but the No. 1 receiver in any offense will have plenty of opportunity – and London can capitalize with his talent.