Although this is a new spot for him in the NFL, he is familiar with playing in this slot. It took him back to his college days at the University of Southern California, where he earned a position in that position as a freshman. He was also able to incorporate skills from his previous life as a basketball player, using his spatial awareness and creating mismatches against defenders. He feels comfortable in this position and can use all the tools at his disposal.

For example, his blocking ability makes him an important part of the running game and contributes to that part of the offense about 90% of the time. Offensive coach and run game coordinator Dwayne Ledford awards one player a WWE-style run-blocking belt each week. London won it after the Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, where the Falcons posted 152 rushing yards, their second-best rushing performance of the season.

But the lockdown is nothing entirely new for London either.

“I think it’s only now being noticed because you’re starting to do good,” London said. “Now I’m on ESPN talking and doing everything on my days off, so everything’s a little bit on overdrive, but I think it’s just because people are taking notice of my blocking skills now.”

Despite being integrated into the running game, he still makes Drake-London style plays. He still has 50-50 balls and makes seemingly impossible, explosive plays. London leads the league in fewest goals (18) and receptions (9). He is also No. 2 in the NFL this season in catches above expectations (4.8), according to Next Gen Stats.

These statistics clearly show what London has always been good at. But this season, he feels like he’s been able to be more himself because of the leadership around him — from the coaching staff to quarterback Kirk Cousins.

“I think it’s just the top-down personality, who’s in the building, the trust we have in each other and secondly the players I’m surrounded by that allow me to be myself.” said London. “Mostly just the people in the building. They allow me to be myself, whether I’m getting angry or maintaining that level-headed demeanor. If you play well, it doesn’t matter. “It doesn’t really matter.” No matter how you behave.

While London is on track for a breakout season, Cousins ​​is a big part of it, and not just because he’s the one finding the Falcons’ No. 1 receiver downfield. London said he learned an important lesson from Cousins: “If you want to be great, you have to spend your days at the facility and get more work.”

And that’s exactly what they did. You will spend extra time watching movies together. There is constant communication between receiver and quarterback. Falcons quarterbacks coach TJ Yates has seen London’s maturity and growth from different perspectives. Yates was the London team’s position coach for his first two seasons before Yates moved to the quarterback team. He saw how London took the initiative with Cousins ​​and how Cousins ​​helped him along the way.

“I’m happy for him and want him to have a really strong year,” Cousins ​​said. “I tell him when I’m tough on him or challenging him, I say, ‘Understand, the only reason I’m challenging you or being tough on you is because I want you to be All-Pro. I want you to go.’ “I want you to have a great year.” Sometimes it takes openness and a few difficult conversations to achieve that.”

All Pro. Pro Bowl. These are the things London daydreams about, and the Falcons imagine those dreams, too.

“He’s got more,” Morris said. “He’s still striving for more, he’s still striving to become a better all-around player in every aspect that we ask of him.”