Falcons WR Drake London Evaluates Rookie Year: 'Lot Left on the Table'
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London had a record-breaking year in his rookie season.
He recorded a rookie record 72 receptions for 866 yards, leading the team, and he cemented his status as one of the top receivers in the draft class. However, London isn't jumping up and down with glowing reviews of his season.
"There's a lot that's left on the table, personally, for me. That I think that I can do better, a lot of learning curves, learning moments that I've had that I can grow from," London said in an interview with ESPN. "So I wouldn't sit up here and tell you, 'Oh, this is amazing, this is exactly what I wanted, the year that I wanted.' But at the same time, I'm not going to tell you that I had a terrible year. You know what I'm saying.
"With that being said, I took it as decent. I'm doing my job. I'm doing it somewhat well for my circumstances, and all I can do is go forward from there and just keep progressing."
London was the first receiver taken in last year's draft with the No. 8 overall pick, but fellow rookies Garrett Wilson (No. 10) and Chris Olave (No. 11) had better seasons on the stat sheet.
Given the fact that London was playing with Marcus Mariota for most of the season and third-round rookie Desmond Ridder to close the year, the former USC Trojan had some challenges to get to where he got. However, he still posted a very respectable start to his NFL career.
And if there's more on the table for 2023 and beyond, the Falcons should have their unquestioned top receiver for years to come.
Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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