Ike Hilliard highlights Drake London when speaking on future of Falcons wide receivers room

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It should come as no surprise the one wide receiver Ike Hilliard immediately name-dropped was Drake London.

Hilliard officially joined the Atlanta Falcons staff as the wide receivers coach on Feb. 1. He met with the media for the first time last Thursday.

“I’ve watched them all; some big-game talent there,” Hilliard said. “Drake is obviously the one we’re really excited about. We need him to take the next steps now as a player, and we’re looking forward to coaching him, pushing him and getting him where he needs to go.”

The shock should be lacking for two reasons.

One, London was the Falcons’ leading receiver in 2023 — by far. He caught 69 passes for 905 yards and two touchdowns. The closest competitor was tight end Kyle Pitts with 53 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns. That’s 238-yard difference when it comes to production.

Two, London may be the only guaranteed receiver back on the roster in 2024. The other options from last season — Mack Hollins, KhaDarel Hodge, Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson — are all set to become unrestricted free agents once the market opens in March. London, meanwhile, enters Year 3 of his four-year rookie contract, which he signed after the Falcons used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to obtain him.

So, Hilliard might have his work cut out for him when it comes to creating depth within his position room.

“That’s the process that we’re working through right now,” Hilliard said. “Zac (Robinson, offensive coordinator) is obviously going to lead the charge in regards to how the room is going to look, how the offense is going to look. I’m obviously there to support in any way I can.

“We have confidence in the young men that are there, and we’re always going to want to add competition and talent. So, we’ll see what that process leads to in the next couple of weeks.”