Saints’ division rivals could generate a “matchup nightmare” with this rookie WR

The New Orleans Saints should be particularly wary of one rookie wideout on the Atlanta Falcons who could take the league by storm in 2022.

The Saints got exactly what they wanted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft: a starting wide receiver and offensive tackle.

Unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones to come away with an elite draft haul as their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, secured their own top wideout prospect as well.

The Falcons selected Drake London with the eighth overall pick, making London the first wide receiver to get taken off the board. NOLA has no reason to complain after getting their man, Chris Olave, but some NFL pundits believe London could create problems for even elite defenses like the Saints.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently revealed the 2022 rookies who could become immediate matchup nightmares this season and had Drake London wreaking havoc in his first year in the league.

"London landed with a club that will immediately pencil him in as its No. 1 WR, so it’s no shock that the 6’4″, 219-pound receiver quickly emerged as the Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook.While London is likely to command coverage from the opposition’s top cornerbacks, he’s talented enough to win those battles and tilt 50-50 balls heavily into his favor. London should have plenty of highlight-reel catches and a mountain of touchdowns on his resume by the time his first season concludes."

New Orleans Saints should pay close attention to Falcons’ Drake London in 2022

We love a classic rivalry game and good ol’ friendly competition, and we for one can’t wait to see London go one-on-one against Marshon Lattimore twice a year.

The Saints recently picked up free agent Tyrann Mathieu to boost their pass defense, and with a trio of Lattimore, Mathieu, and Ceedy Duce, maybe it’s London who should be scared in 2022.

But it’s better to be safe than sorry, and NOLA would be wise to study London’s tape very carefully to develop a plan to defend him for the next several years.

Despite being in a bit of a rebuilding era, the Atlanta Falcons can boast elite offensive weapons in tight end Kyle Pitts and pseudo-running back Cordarrelle Patterson, and now they have another physical, big-play pass-catching option in Drake London.

Whereas Olave sits behind Michael Thomas on the depth chart, London already has established WR1 status and will have every chance to prove himself as a potential Pro Bowl wideout in his rookie year.

The Saints’ D should be elite enough to contain London, but this potential matchup seems incredibly exciting indeed.