All eyes will be on USC WR and top 2022 NFL Draft prospect Drake London at the NFL Combine, but there won’t be much to watch on the field due to his injury. Here’s the latest on London’s status at the 2022 NFL Combine.
Drake London’s status at the NFL Combine
It’s easy to fall in love with the skill set of star USC WR Drake London. The 6’5″, 210-pound behemoth towers over his opposition, and he was dominant in the early stages of the 2021 season.
Through eight games, London logged 88 catches, 1,084 yards, and 7 touchdowns. He would’ve been the runaway winner of the Biletnikoff Award — given to the nation’s best receiver — but an injury would take him off the field.
In late October, London fractured his right ankle. The injury not only forced London to miss the rest of the season but also put his status for the NFL Combine in jeopardy. Nevertheless, London appeared at the Combine and spoke a bit about his status. Here’s the latest on London’s availability.
During media availability on Wednesday morning, London said that his ankle was “doing great.” He appears in good spirits regarding his recovery. However, when asked if he was a full-go for the NFL Combine, London said he was “just doing interviews right now.”
Fractured ankles can have a lengthy recovery track. The minimum time to heal is often six weeks, and even then, it can take additional time to get back to full strength. And for London, who’s already regarded as an early-round prospect on film alone, taking a risk and rushing back wouldn’t present a good opportunity cost.
London didn’t say whether or not he’d be available for testing at the USC Pro Day on March 23. That date does give London three more weeks to heal and allows him a favorable environment to test. But even then, it’ll be up to London to ensure whether he’s ready.
Among other things, London said in media availability that he aims to model his game after Calvin Johnson and Mike Evans. That comes as no surprise after seeing London. He looms over the masses with his 6’5″ frame.
London also drew knowledge from his past as a basketball player. He likens going up for contested catches as going up for rebounds under the basket. On film, London leaps into the air with the same authority of a power forward. He’s also able to box out defensive backs with his frame.
London is on his own timeline with his injury. But once he’s fully healthy again, he’ll be a formidable threat for NFL defenders.