USC wide receiver Drake London is best fit for the LA Chargers
By Reese Nasser
The LA Chargers could use some more talent to surround star quarterback Justin Herbert, and USC wideout Drake London fits the bill.
The Los Angeles Chargers are a team coming off of a somewhat disappointing year in 2021. They finished the regular season with a 9-8 record and were one play away from a trip to the playoffs.
The Bolts have already put together a roster that can compete with any team in the NFL. Headlined by quarterback Justin Herbert, Los Angeles has a bright future if they can address some needs.
There are flaws on the roster, but they are minor. When looking at areas where the Chargers can and should improve on before next season, there are two notable areas. The defensive line and the wide receiver position. With the second-most cap space in the NFL, the Chargers will be able to address either area through free agency.
Whichever area they choose to not address in free agency, they could use their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to find a solution.
Drake London could be the replacement for a big Chargers free agent loss
The Chargers have done a good job of surrounding Justin Herbert with explosive weapons, but there is a chance that major characters could be lost in free agency. Wide receiver Mike Williams could be the biggest piece that the Chargers lose this offseason with the five-year veteran set to hit the open market.
The pass-catching duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams combined for 182 receptions, 2284 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. If Williams does move on in free agency, the Chargers will have to find a receiver who can step in and fill that void. Enter USC wide receiver Drake London.
London is the definition of a possession receiver. Anything thrown in his direction has at least a chance to be hauled in. Throughout three seasons at USC he solidified his status as one of the best pass-catchers in college football.
He finished his collegiate career with 160 receptions, 2153 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns.
While he played just eight games this past season before suffering a broken ankle, he still set career-highs across the board. He hauled in 88 receptions, 1084 yards, and seven touchdowns in just eight games. He also averaged 12.3 yards per catch.
At 6-5 and 210 pounds, Drake London has the size to be a threat in all areas of the field. He isn’t the fastest player on the field, but his skill set causes him to be a threat wherever he is.
Justin Herbert has shown that he likes having a big receiver that can make plays down the field. London would be able to step directly into that role. His impact would also be felt in the red zone.
The Chargers are one of a few teams that have realistic Super Bowl expectations next season. The team has a strong foundation full of talented young players. Adding a dynamic receiver such as Drake London could be exactly what this team needs.