How can the dynamic duo of Drake London and Darnell Mooney flourish in 2025?

Terrin Waack

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Four weeks remain until the Atlanta Falcons report back to the facility for their 2025 training camp. That means it is Week 2 of the editorial staff's summer content series that breaks down each position group ahead of any preseason action. The focus is still on the offensive side of the ball.

Under the microscope Tuesday are the wide receivers, highlighted by familiar names such as Drake London and Darnell Mooney.

More position previews:Quarterbacks|Running backs

RELATED:Falcons announce 11 open practice dates for training camp

Wide receiver

Position coaches:Zac Robinson (offensive coordinator) | T.J. Yates (passing game coordinator) | Ike Hilliard (wide receivers coach)

Returning starters:Drake London (1,271 yards, 9 touchdowns in 2024), Darnell Mooney (992 yards, 5 touchdowns in 2024), Ray-Ray McCloud III (686 yards, 1 touchdown in 2024)

Notable newcomers:Nick Nash (signed in April; an undrafted free agent), Jamal Agnew (signed in March; most likely a returner)

Rest of the roster:Casey Washington (drafted in 2024), KhaDarel Hodge (re-signed in March), Quincy Skinner Jr. (signed in April; an undrafted free agent), Chris Blair (signed in December 2024 off practice squad), David Sills (signed in February to reserve/future contract), Makai Polk (signed in February to reserve/future contract), Jesse Matthews (signed in February to reserve/future contract), Dylan Drummond Matthews (signed in February to reserve/future contract)

Offseason departures:Rondale Moore (signed with Minnesota Vikings in March)

3 key questions for Falcons wide receivers

1. What to expect out of Drake London in fourth year?

London should be riding a nice high into 2025. He surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career last season, totaling 1,271 yards on 100 receptions, with a personal-high nine touchdowns. He also had hisfifth-year option picked up in April, which means he'll remain in Atlanta through at least the 2026 season.

London has dealt with a lack of consistency at the quarterback position since he was drafted in 2022, but this year may hold the most promise as Michael Penix Jr. carries over starting responsibility from the end of last year. London averaged 82.5 yards per game in Penix's final three starts in 2024, which was a jump from his average of 65.5 yards per game when Kirk Cousins ran the offense. London also had his first multi-score game ever in the Falcons' season finale, breaking into the end zone off 20- and 21-yard passes from Penix.

2. Can Darnell Mooney continue to flourish in Atlanta?

Mooney "re-introduced himself to the league" in 2024, registering 64 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns. Arguably the only reason Mooney did not break 1,000 yards receiving was because a shoulder injury sidelined him in the Falcons' season finale. Had he kept with his average 62 yards per game he would have easily cracked that threshold alongside London.

Mooney came to Atlanta last offseason from the Chicago Bears, who drafted him in 2020 with a fifth-round selection. He had a really strong second season there totaling 1,055 yards receiving but then stayed within the 400-yard range the next two years as his rookie contract expired. His second contract now with the Falcons could bring a second wave of his still rather young career.

3. Who will emerge as WR4?

London and Mooney are locks as starters. So, too, is McCloud after he carved out a rather specific role on the offense last season. It's built a bit differently from his counterparts, as he's operating in tighter spaces from the slot. In 2024, McCloud had the best catch rate 71.3% compared to London's 63.3% and Mooney's 60.4% but the shortest yards-per-reception average 11.1 yards compared to London's 12.7 and Mooney's 15.5. Still, his 342 yards after the catch highlighted his ability to turn those short-yard situations into bigger gains.

So, if three spots are filled, that begs the question of who can emerge beyond those three. Washington is entering his second season and could really build upon his early relationship with Penix. Hodge is a veteran who made his name on special teams but had big flashes of offensive success in 2024. Agnew is another special teams standout whose size and speed could make for sneaky option in the passing game. Nash is a potential dark horse after going undrafted despiteleading the FBS in almost every receiving category. The Falcons are not without a variety of options.

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