When the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, many heads turned around the league.
Falcons receiver Drake London wasn’t one of them.
London, speaking May 14 after Atlanta’s second OTA session and five days after Penix first arrived in Flowery Branch, said his focus was elsewhere during the draft’s three-day tenure.
“I don’t really pay attention to all that stuff,” London said.
“Because I’m trying to enjoy my offseason as well and be ready for it.
But at the same time, he’s a freaking baller. We’ve seen it – that’s why we took him at that spot.
We’re just happy that he’s here. We’ve seen it a couple times, he’s slinging it.
The 22-year-old London is entering his third professional season with hopes of more team success than the two 7-10 campaigns he’s endured thus far.
Winning is atop London’s priority list for 2024.
But Penix isn’t necessarily expected to contribute to that mission.
He’s buried behind starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract March 13, and is in the mix for the backup job with veteran Taylor Heinicke.
The Falcons were expected to draft an immediate impact player at No. 8 – a fair assumption for a pick of that caliber and having just committed big finances to a 35-year old quarterback.
Instead, they selected Penix, believing he’ll be the long-term answer under center.
London, the No. 8 overall pick two years ago, is a building block for Atlanta’s offense and could very well be Penix’s top target once the reins are officially passed.
But those days aren’t at the forefront of London’s mind – even if they are for the Falcons’ front office.
