NFL Draft 2022 Rumors: Falcons 'Love' WR Drake London, 'Like' QB Matt Corral

In the first round of the NFL draft in 2022, the Atlanta Falcons may continue laying the foundation for their offense.

Peter King projected that the Falcons would pick USC wide receiver Drake London.

King had Atlanta trading back into the first round to take Matt Corral.

He wrote that this was all about a team, Atlanta, believing in a quarterback this year, and investing a chunk of draft capital in him that isn't cost-prohibitive.

London is the third-best overall player on the big board. In eight games in 2021, the pass-catcher had 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdown.

Calvin Ridley was the subject of trade speculation before he was suspended for betting. The receiver position is perhaps the biggest area of need for the Falcons because of the uncertainty surrounding St. Patrick's availability.

B/R's mock draft saw London linked with the Falcons. The choice was explained by Tice.

"The Falcons have holes all over their roster and the Matt Ryan trade signals a new path for the franchise. USC's Drake London has basketball size (6'4", 219 lbs), inside-outside capabilities and outstanding catching range. He would provide the Falcons another potential mismatch in the passing game to pair with tight end Kyle Pitts that would give defenses headaches for years."

The franchise identified a short-term stopgap at quarterback after trading Ryan to the Colts. There is no long-term succession plan.

The Falcons have done their homework.

Tori McElhaney @tori_mcelhaney

Matt Corral said the Falcons were the second team he had a formal interview with. Said Matt Ryan is someone he would want to be like one day: 10+ years with a team, franchise QB, stats to back up an arguably Hall of Fame career. Added he’d be crazy to not want to learn from Ryan.

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter

Ole Miss QB Matt Corral is scheduled to visit next week with the Panthers, Eagles, Steelers, Saints and Falcons, per source.

Some had hoped that Corral would raise his game to a different level in 2021. He ran for 614 yards and 11 scores and threw for 3,349 yards with 20 touchdown and five interceptions.

The ankle injury he suffered in the Sugar Bowl prevented him from working out at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he did take part in the Ole Miss pro day.

B/R NFL scout Nate Tice compared Corral to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley and said he was an intriguing backup for an NFL team.

Atlanta is a good landing spot for Corral. The Falcons will be in a state of transition in 2022, and the presence of Mariota would allow him to make a gradual transition to the NFL.