WR Drake London, potential NFL top 10 draft pick, feels ‘stronger, faster’, but doesn’t run 40 at pro day

A potential NFL top 10 draft pick, Drake London didn’t run the 40 yards on his official professional day Friday morning. London, who broke his ankle in late October, participated in a number of cone drills and situational passes with a number of NFL scouts present at USC.

“Everybody has six to eight weeks, a few months to really practice for that, whether it’s the wide jump or the vertical,” London said of his decision not to run the 40-yard run. “I’m just trying to get back to running.”

London described the post-traumatic process as “painful”, but added that his recovery was quicker than expected. He said he started jogging at 6 mph on a treadmill about a week before the NFL incorporated in March and feels that, despite this late in the draft, it’s important It was important that he had a professional day to show the scouts that he could move. the same way he did before the injury.

“My body feels better, stronger, faster,” says London. “I think I just matured in the game. And then this day was like my second year actually playing wide receiver really playing football. So I feel better day by day.”

Jordan Palmer and TJ Houshmandzadeh helped organize London’s pro carnival, which featured scouts representing the Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions, among others. Detroit senior human resources manager John Dorsey, who has the #2 overall pick in the draft, was also in attendance.

When asked about his speed-related concerns, London quipped: “Watch the movie. At the end of the day, I don’t really have to be blown by men to catch the ball. I mean, I do. maybe, but I don’t have to.”

I said, #USC WR Drake London won’t run 40th in his professional day workout today. Here are his official measurements:

• Hand: 9 3/8
• Arm: 33 7/8
• Wings: 79 5/8
• Height: 6’3 7/8
• Weight: 213 lbs

– Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) April 15, 2022

London accumulated more than 2,000 yards in three years at USC, including a 1,000-yard season in just eight games before he was injured last year. The former bisportsman came to USC with the desire to play both basketball and football, but made the transition to full-time soccer for the first time in his life prior to the middle school season.

“Everybody knows where the ball is going,” London said when asked about his ability to separate and excel despite defence. “I had triple coverage, double the whole game, and it still didn’t stop me. So whatever they say about it, I might be less concerned.”