Falcons Fascinating Duo: QB Coach Sees Promising Results With Atlanta Rookies

Coaches typically can see a connection between gamers earlier than the prospects realize it. Jordan Palmer stated he knew that the additions of Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London and quarterback Desmond Ridder can be a particular bond. 

Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder

London, the eighth general choose within the draft, texted Palmer following Ridder’s choice within the third spherical with a easy message. 

“We acquired our man,” stated London. “I used to be enthusiastic about that.”

Palmer agreed with the sentiment nicely earlier than the 2 started to work drills at OTAs in Flowery Department earlier this month. 

“I like Drake London as an NFL receiver, his catch radius, (his capacity to) go up and get it. You’re creating different locations to throw,” Palmer stated in an interview with The Athletic. “That man may look coated, however he’s not coated if I throw it right here. That matches very well with what Desmond did in school.”

Gamers who be part of rosters that mirror their collegiate manufacturing typically discover the transition to the professionals a way more relaxed journey. At Cincinnati, Ridder relied closely on receiver Alec Pierce, one of many FBS’ high choices by way of contested catches. 

Pierce, a 6-3, 218-pound receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, served because the Bearcats’ No. 1 possibility within the passing assault. Final season, he led all Group of 5 receivers in contested catches with 11. 

London, a 6-3, 212-pounder from USC, led the nation in contested catches with 18 regardless of being restricted to 9 video games in his closing season with the Trojans. 

“The best way that Drake performs above 7 toes off the bottom, it’s wingspan, it’s additionally leaping capacity, hand-eye coordination and his capacity to regulate, these issues, these are straightforward throws to get good at making for any quarterback,” Palmer stated.

Palmer, who runs the QB Summit all through the offseason, linked with Ridder after his junior season. One factor that hampered Ridder’s manufacturing to start his Bearcat profession was his accuracy charge and common yard per try. After the 2020 season, his passer effectivity raiting hovered round 152.9 whereas his yards per try have been at 6.7. 

Drake London

Drake London

Drake London

The effectivity charge went up by six %, in accordance with Professional Soccer Reference. The yards per try doubled by almost two yards, now ranging round 8.6 yards. Palmer stated Ridder’s largest power all through the method was his competitiveness and willingness to be taught. 

“He’s a real competitor, not (simply) in soccer however in all the things that he does,” Palmer stated. “Not everyone is that means. Not all these guys are like that. There are quite a lot of quarterbacks who will compete in football-related issues, however they don’t eat that wholesome, they’re not that disciplined with their exercise schedule or their sleep or their restoration or no matter their vices are.” 

The Falcons return to the second section of OTAs on Wednesday, June 1.