Former Vikings GM says Drake London struggles in one key area

Separation looks to be a major concern in former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman’s draft evaluation of USC wide receiver Drake London.

If Drake London is not able to separate at the next level, then the former USC star could have issues at the next level.

Former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said on TikTok in all the tape he has watched of the Trojans star wideout, the guy just does not separate. London may be a lock to go in the top-32 on Thursday night, but this trait, or lack thereof, should be of great concern to teams looking to take him in the 2022 NFL Draft. A wide receiver who cannot separate is a huge problem.

Spielman’s evaluation of London is why the former USC star offers major boom or bust potential.

Former Vikings GM says Drake London may have issues separating in the NFL

One thing is for sure. It will become abundantly clear very quickly if London can indeed separate or not at the NFL level. Though he does not have to approach 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie to not be labeled a bust, but getting open more frequently will determine if he can become a No. 1 wide receiver professionally. Of course, there are other major factors to consider what he is coming out.

The first is USC was scraping along at rock bottom during London’s time in school. It is hard to play winning football when you have a lame duck head coach for the better part of an olympiad. While there may have been a dearth of talent at USC during his collegiate run, it was not like he was playing against elite Power Five competition either. Pac-12 defensive backs are not world-beaters.

Ultimately, a receiver’s staying power in the league is contingent on his ability to create separation. If he can, he has the chance to be a star with the right quarterback throwing him the ball. Should this be an ongoing issue, it could lead to a potential first-round pick like London not getting a second contract with the team that drafted him. Besides hands, this is the biggest issue.

This is why where a player is drafted to matters so much in the overall grand scheme of things.