The Falcons’ front office made a considerable effort to retool the roster this offseason heading into year two for Arthur Smith, and while there’s still work to be done, a Hall of Famer and NFL analyst likes what he sees so far.
Led by 8th overall pick Drake London, the wide receiver room has been completely overhauled, and a guy that knows a thing or two about the position is looking forward to watching the former USC Trojan make his transition to the NFL.
“I like Drake London, he’s one of the best young receivers coming out in this class and he has a physicalness to him that he plays with,” Michael Irvin told Sam & Greg on 92.9 The Game this weekend.
London’s physical skill set was on full display at USC in 2021 as the first of six first-round receivers off the board racked up 88 catches for 1,084 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games before suffering a broken ankle.
Without Matt Ryan under center for the first time in 14 years, Irvin is skeptical when it comes to the signal-caller this season but sees good things ahead for the Falcons, especially if Calvin Ridley ever suits up for Atlanta again following his year-long suspension.
“I don’t know if Marcus Mariota is your quarterback, but man, you got Pitts, you got London…and God put his hands on Ridley and look over him…I don’t know what’s going to happen with him and I don’t think anyone knows right now, but if you get talent like that back, you’ve got the makings of something if you can put a few more good pieces together. So it’ll be interesting to see,” Irvin said.
Along with Pitts and London, Irvin also credited Cordarrelle Patterson for what he brings to the Falcons’ offense after leading the team in both rushing and receiving touchdowns in 2021. The addition of Bryan Edwards via a trade with the Raiders and free agents Auden Tate and Damiere Byrd will also bolster the Falcons' passing game in 2022 whether it's Mariota or Desmond Ridder delivering the ball.
Training camp opens at the end of the month where Mariota and Ridder will likely begin a competition for the starting job.