Our second installment in this three-part series focuses on two receivers who make for ideal WR1s on your roster if you went RB early in the first round.

The Strengths:

While it might feel like A.J. Brown has been around forever, he just turned 28 in June -- meaning he's still very much in his prime. In fact, his yards per catch (YPC) increased from 13.7 in 2023 to 16.1 in 2024. Despite missing four games last season, Brown still topped 1,000 yards for the fifth time in his career, averaging exactly 83 yards per game. That's a slight dip from his first two seasons in Philly (88 and 86 YPG), but understandable given the arrival of Saquon Barkley, who changed the dynamics of the Eagles' offense.

Looking ahead, the Eagles are likely to manage Barkley's workload more carefully to keep him fresh, which could mean more opportunities for Brown and other pass-catchers. Brown also isn't shy about demanding the ball, and Jalen Hurts has shown a willingness to feed him targets when asked. With DeVonta Smith on the opposite side stretching defenses vertically, Brown continues to benefit from favorable coverage matchups.

On the flip side, Drake London is a receiver just beginning to unlock his elite potential. In 2024, he took a major third-year leap -- adding 28 more receptions and 366 more receiving yards than his previous career highs. But what really has fantasy managers excited is how he performed once Michael Penix Jr. took over under center.

Penix started the final three games of the Falcons' season, and in the last two of those, he targeted London a staggering 31 times. The result: nearly 300 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns. Those games were two of London's three most productive of the year, and they hinted at a breakout heading into 2025. It's also worth noting that Year 3 is often the turning point when wide receivers ascend to elite status -- and London made a compelling case that he belongs in that conversation.

The Weaknesses:

There's a reason the Titans were willing to part with A.J. Brown after just three seasons, despite his undeniable talent. His on-field production is elite, but he can become visibly frustrated when not getting the volume he wants. While Jalen Hurts managed this well last year, it's possible that tensions could resurface if Brown's involvement dips again -- and Hurts may not be as accommodating the second time around.

Touchdown production has also been a limiting factor. Brown has only scored 7 TDs in each of the past two seasons. With Hurts racking up 42 rushing TDs over that span, there simply aren't many goal-line opportunities for wideouts in Philly's offense. Notably, Brown had just one TD during a seven-game stretch in 2024 (Weeks 4-10), which is concerning if you're counting on him as your WR1. Based on TD output alone, Brown may profile more like a high-end WR2.

As for London, the concern is sample size. Those last two blow-up games with Penix were impressive, but they came in a very limited window. Defenses now have an offseason to study Penix's tendencies, and there's a real chance for regression as teams adjust. Also, London will now be the clear focal point of opposing secondaries -- especially with TE Kyle Pitts never fully living up to expectations.

The Falcons' strategy could also shift. With a revamped defense thanks to the additions of Matt Judon and Justin Simmons, Atlanta may look to establish the run and rely on their D to keep games close. That could mean a heavier dose of Bijan Robinson, limiting London's weekly upside. With matchups against New Orleans, Carolina, New England, and Indianapolis -- all potentially low-scoring affairs -- volume could be capped in several games.

The Verdict:

So how do we break this neck-and-neck race between two high-upside pass catchers?

Both are in their primes, so there’s no immediate concern about age-based regression. Statistically, London had the edge in 2024 with more receiving yards (1,271 vs. Brown’s 1,079) and more TDs (9 vs. 7). But remember: Brown missed four games. On a per-game basis, he actually averaged more yards, and his TD rate would have likely matched or surpassed London’s had he played a full season.

The real question is whether London’s surge with Penix was the start of something sustainable—or simply a case of a young QB locking in on his first read. If Penix becomes more comfortable and spreads the ball around, London’s target share may dip. However, improved QB efficiency could mean that fewer targets don’t necessarily equal lower production.

Brown, meanwhile, has already hit the elite threshold—surpassing 1,400 yards in both 2022 and 2023 before injuries struck in 2024. That’s a milestone London hasn’t reached yet and may never reach. Still, both players share one complicating factor: they play alongside elite RBs (Barkley and Robinson), who siphon away red-zone opportunities. Combined, those two backs accounted for 30 TDs in 2024—taking a sizable chunk off the table for WR production.

In the end, London’s trajectory and rising chemistry with his young QB make him an intriguing upside pick. While Brown offers the safer floor and proven production, he may be limited by Hurts and Barkley hogging a high TD share.

Final Call: Drake London… by a nose.

Projected 2025 Statistics:

A.J. Brown: 89 receptions, 1,290 receiving yards, 8 TDs
Drake London: 105 receptions, 1,300 receiving yards, 10 TDs

Next up: Tale of the Tape - Running Backs