The Atlanta Falcons made significant investments in their offensive skill positions by using three top 10 draft picks from 2021 to 2023 to acquire Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson. Despite these high-profile additions, the return on their investments has not yet met expectations.
Among the trio, Kyle Pitts has experienced the most success, notably during his rookie season when he played with a declining Matt Ryan. Pitts came close to breaking Mike Ditka’s rookie receiving record for tight ends, showcasing his immense potential. However, his subsequent seasons have been hampered by inconsistent quarterback play and injuries, which have limited his overall impact.
Drake London and Bijan Robinson have not been failures by any measure, but they have not garnered the same level of buzz as some of their draft peers, such as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The excitement surrounding these players has yet to reach the anticipated heights, partially due to the challenges faced by the Falcons in recent seasons.
The narrative is expected to shift in 2024 with the arrival of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons made a substantial investment to secure a dependable signal caller, believing that Cousins will unlock the full potential of Pitts, London, and Robinson. With a strong offensive line and the guidance of noted offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, the Falcons’ offense appears poised for a significant boost.
Among the three top picks, Drake London is generating particular excitement. The performance of other top receivers who have played with Cousins in the past—such as Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison—serves as a strong indicator of what London might achieve. Given Cousins’ track record with top receivers, expectations for London are extremely high.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has noted that NFL executives are also optimistic about London’s future. In a recent article, Fowler highlighted that London’s name frequently came up when discussing potential breakout stars. Despite falling short of 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, London’s talent remains undeniable. The arrival of Cousins, described as a major upgrade at quarterback for Atlanta, is expected to significantly improve London’s performance.
An AFC executive expressed confidence in London’s potential, stating, “Kirk will throw it to him a lot. He’ll get a lot of 50-50 balls. Hasn’t had a capable quarterback. Atlanta will get a lot more out of the offense in general.” This endorsement reflects the belief that Cousins’ presence will not only enhance London’s stats but also elevate the overall offensive output of the Falcons.
Given the circumstances, it would be unsurprising if all three of the Falcons’ former top 10 picks—Pitts, London, and Robinson—achieve career-best numbers with Cousins under center. However, it is Drake London who is most likely to emerge as a prominent figure in the league. His potential to become a household name is significant, with expectations that his performance will be a key highlight for the Falcons in the upcoming season.
