What's Falcons WR Drake London 'Emphasizing' Ahead of Training Camp?

Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London is focusing on ball security after fumbling three times in his rookie year.

There may not be a more valuable skill in today's NFL than ball security, and it's easy to see why. 

According to Five Thirty Eight, teams averaged just 10.9 drives per game last season - one possession fewer compared to just two decades ago. Further, time of possession per drive was also the second-highest (2:48) it's been since the turn of the century. 

And Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London is putting an emphasis on this area as he prepares for season two. 

"I did have a couple hiccups last year, so ball security has been a big thing for me," London said. "I don't do special teams, so I can get my extra work in with (T.J. Yates) and we do extra things like right at the catch point, him trying to punch it out, things like that. All ball security, just emphasizing the little things."

Atlanta's first-round pick in 2022, London by all accounts had a phenomenal rookie campaign - posting 72 receptions, 866 yards and four touchdowns. However, also dealt with fumble issues, especially towards the end of the season where he coughed it up in back-to-back weeks against the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints - both of which were recovered by the defense. 

"After he did have some of those issues he wasn't playing as fast because he was thinking too much about that," Yates said. "You want to get that taken care of. He's fully aware of it and taking it to heart. He's practicing on it and focusing on it.."

If London can improve in that area, this Atlanta receiving corps has the potential to turn some heads in 2023. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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