What Round To Draft Drake London In Fantasy Football? Your 2024 Draft Guide
Figuring out the perfect spot to pick a player in your fantasy football draft can feel like a big puzzle, can't it? You're looking for that sweet spot, the one that helps your team win, and for many, Drake London is a name that pops up a lot. People wonder just when to grab him. He's a wide receiver who shows flashes of real brilliance, and honestly, his situation often leaves folks scratching their heads a bit about his true value. So, knowing the right round to call his name makes all the difference for your squad.
This upcoming fantasy season, there's a good deal of buzz around Drake London. He’s someone with a lot of raw talent, and we've seen glimpses of what he can do on the field. Yet, figuring out his exact worth for your fantasy team means looking at more than just his past stats; you have to consider his team, the coaching, and even the other players around him. You want to make sure you pick him at a point where his potential truly matches the cost, so to speak.
Deciding on a draft round for a player like Drake London is, in a way, like trying to round a complex number to a simpler, more usable form. You want to make his value simpler, but still keep it very, very close to what it truly is. We'll look at all the different angles, from his past play to what might happen next, to help you make a smart choice. You really want to get this pick right, after all.
Table of Contents
- Drake London: At a Glance
- Understanding Drake London's Fantasy Value
- When to Consider Drafting Him: By League Type
- Risks and Upside for Drake London
- Making Your Draft Decision
- Frequently Asked Questions About Drake London in Fantasy Football
Drake London: At a Glance
Before we get into the draft rounds, it helps to know a little more about Drake London himself. He's a player who came into the league with a lot of hype, and for good reason. His physical gifts are pretty clear, and he plays a position that can score a lot of fantasy points. Knowing his background just a little bit helps us see why he's such a topic of discussion in fantasy circles, you know?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Drake London |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Team | Atlanta Falcons |
| College | USC |
| Draft Year | 2022 |
| Draft Round | 1st Round (8th overall) |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 213 lb (97 kg) |
Understanding Drake London's Fantasy Value
To really get a handle on what round to draft Drake London, we need to break down his fantasy value. This isn't just about looking at a simple number; it's about seeing the whole picture. We'll consider his past, his team, and what kind of chances he might get on the field. It's like looking at every part of a circle to understand its full shape, so to speak.
Past Performance and Development
Drake London's time in the league so far has been, well, a bit up and down. As a rookie, he showed moments of pure brilliance, making some really tough catches. He was, in some respects, a bright spot on an offense that didn't throw the ball very much. His second year brought some changes, but the overall picture was still a bit mixed, largely because of the quarterback play and the team's style of offense. We've seen him develop his game, certainly, and that's something to keep in mind.
When you look at his numbers, they might not jump off the page, but you have to consider the context. He's been catching passes from a few different quarterbacks, and the team's offensive plan has often focused on running the ball a lot. This kind of situation can really limit a receiver's chances. Nevertheless, his raw talent for getting open and catching the ball is still very much there, and that's what keeps fantasy managers interested. You see, he’s got the tools, it's just been a matter of getting the opportunities.
Team Situation and Offense
The Atlanta Falcons' offensive setup is a huge piece of the puzzle for Drake London's fantasy outlook. For a while, their offense was very run-heavy, which naturally meant fewer targets for wide receivers. This year, however, there's a new quarterback in town, and that could change everything. A better quarterback, one who likes to throw the ball more often and accurately, could really help London's numbers. It's almost like a plant that suddenly gets more sunlight; it just starts to grow better, you know?
A change in coaching staff or offensive scheme also plays a big role. If the new coaches want to throw the ball more, that's great news for London. If they bring in a quarterback who can consistently get him the ball, his production could jump quite a bit. This new situation could, in fact, mean his potential is finally coming full circle, allowing him to show off his complete game. We're talking about a significant shift that could unlock a lot of value.
Target Share and Opportunity
Target share is simply how many times a player gets the ball thrown their way compared to their teammates. Drake London has typically had a pretty good target share on his team, even when the overall passing volume was low. This tells us that when the ball is thrown, he's often the first or second option. This is a very good sign for fantasy, as more targets usually mean more catches and more yards. He’s often the primary focus, which is something you definitely want to see.
With a new quarterback, his target share could either stay high or even go up, especially if he builds a strong connection with the new passer. If the team decides to throw the ball more overall, then even a similar target share would mean more total chances for London. This kind of opportunity is what fantasy managers are always looking for, because it means more points for your team. It’s pretty simple, really: more chances usually mean more success.
When to Consider Drafting Him: By League Type
The best round to draft Drake London really depends on your league's scoring rules. A PPR league values catches more, while a standard league focuses on yards and touchdowns. Knowing this helps you decide if he's a better fit earlier or later in your draft. As you go round the draft board, you want to make sure you're getting the most value for your pick, so this distinction is important.
PPR Leagues
In PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues, every catch gives you a point. This makes players who get a lot of targets and catches more valuable. Drake London, with his history of a good target share, has a higher floor in PPR leagues than in standard ones. He might not always score a touchdown, but if he's catching six or seven passes a game, those points add up quickly. For these types of leagues, you might want to consider him a bit earlier, perhaps in the late fifth or early sixth round, depending on how your draft is going. He offers a solid base of points just from his receptions, you know?
Given the potential for increased passing volume with a new quarterback, London's value in PPR could really climb. If he starts consistently getting double-digit targets, he could easily become a weekly WR2 or even sneak into WR1 territory some weeks. This makes him a very appealing pick in the middle rounds, where you're looking for players who can give you consistent production without breaking the bank. He could, in fact, be a steal if he lives up to his full potential.
Standard Leagues
Standard leagues don't give points for catches, so touchdowns and yardage are king. This makes Drake London a slightly riskier pick in standard formats, as his touchdown numbers haven't been very high so far. His value here relies more on big plays and getting into the end zone. You might want to wait a round or two later for him in standard leagues compared to PPR, perhaps in the sixth or seventh round. His upside is still there, but the floor is a little lower without those reception points, apparently.
For standard leagues, you're really betting on the new offense generating more scoring opportunities for London. If the team's red zone efficiency improves, and he becomes a primary target near the goal line, then his value in standard leagues goes up a lot. Until we see that, he's more of a boom-or-bust play in this format. You're hoping for those big plays that lead to touchdowns, and that's a bit less predictable, to be honest.
Half-PPR Leagues
Half-PPR leagues are a nice middle ground, giving you half a point for each catch. This format balances the importance of receptions and yardage/touchdowns. Drake London fits pretty well here, as his target share still gives him a good base, and any touchdowns or big plays are a bonus. He's probably a good pick in the late fifth or early sixth round in these leagues, similar to PPR but maybe with a bit less urgency. He’s a pretty solid option in this format, more or less.
In half-PPR, London offers a blend of safety and upside. You get some points from his catches, which helps smooth out weeks where he might not get a touchdown. At the same time, if the new offense clicks and he starts finding the end zone more often, his value gets a significant boost. This makes him a flexible pick, fitting into various draft strategies. You could say he's a good all-around choice for this scoring system.
Risks and Upside for Drake London
Every player in fantasy football comes with some risks and some exciting potential. Drake London is no different. It's important to weigh these things before you make your pick. You want to understand what could go wrong, but also what could go incredibly right. Looking at these aspects helps you make a more complete decision, really.
Potential Concerns
One of the main worries with Drake London has been the overall offensive environment. If the new quarterback struggles, or if the team still runs the ball a lot, London's opportunities could be limited again. Another concern is competition for targets. While he's been the main guy, other players on the team might step up and take some looks away. Injuries are always a worry for any player, too. These things could keep his numbers from truly breaking out. It’s just a little bit of a gamble, you know?
Also, a new coaching staff means a new system, and sometimes it takes time for players to truly click with a new scheme and a new quarterback. There's always a learning curve. If that connection doesn't happen quickly, or if the new system doesn't feature him as much as we hope, his production could be inconsistent. You're hoping for a smooth transition, but it's not always a guarantee. It's something to keep in mind as you think about his draft position, obviously.
High-Ceiling Potential
Now, for the exciting part: Drake London's upside is truly, truly high. He's a former top-10 draft pick for a reason. He has the size, the athletic ability, and the talent to be a true alpha receiver in the NFL. If the new quarterback plays well and the offense becomes more pass-heavy, London could easily see a huge jump in targets, yards, and touchdowns. He could become a consistent WR1 or WR2, giving you huge weekly scores. He could, in a way, become a plant that grows round the year, consistently producing big numbers.
His ability to win contested catches and make plays downfield is a big plus. If the new quarterback can get him the ball in those situations, London's efficiency will go up, and so will his fantasy points. He could really take a step forward and show why he was drafted so high. This kind of potential makes him a very appealing pick in the middle rounds, because the payoff could be huge. It's a bet on talent meeting opportunity, and that's often a winning combination.
Making Your Draft Decision
So, what round to draft Drake London in fantasy football? After looking at everything, a good spot for him seems to be somewhere in the **late 5th to early 7th round** of your fantasy draft, depending on your league's scoring and how your draft board is unfolding. In PPR or Half-PPR, he leans more towards that earlier range. In standard leagues, you might feel better waiting a bit longer. He represents a good blend of proven talent and significant upside, especially with his new team situation. You're essentially drafting him for his potential to truly break out, while still getting a player who has shown he can produce even in tougher situations. It's about finding that spot where his value matches the risk, and frankly, that's what fantasy football is all about.
Consider your team's needs when his name comes up. If you've already got a couple of solid running backs and maybe an elite tight end, London could be a great pick to fill your wide receiver spot with high upside. If you're looking for a safer, more predictable option, you might pass on him for someone else, but you'd be missing out on his potential big leap. Ultimately, it comes down to your draft strategy and how much you believe in the new offensive changes for the Falcons. For more insights on draft strategy, you can learn more about fantasy football strategy on our site, and perhaps even check out our latest player rankings to see where other experts have him placed. You want to make a pick that feels right for your team, after all, and that means considering all the angles, very much like looking at a full circle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drake London in Fantasy Football
Here are some common questions people ask about drafting Drake London in fantasy football:
Is Drake London a good fantasy pick for this season?
Yes, Drake London is considered a good fantasy pick for this season, especially given the changes to his team's offense and quarterback situation. He has high upside and could see a significant increase in production. His talent is pretty clear, and the new setup could really help him shine.
What are the risks of drafting Drake London?
The main risks with drafting Drake London include the possibility of the new offense taking time to click, or if the team remains more run-heavy than expected. There's also the chance of other pass-catchers taking away some targets. Any player can face injury concerns, too. These are things to think about, certainly.
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