The Ravens Draft: DeAndre Hopkins

**wickedsolo** · 03-27-2013, 04:40 PM

I know his name has been thrown around a bit here and IIRC Mizerooskie is a big time Clemson Tigers fan, so he can probably chime in a bit more regarding DeAndre "Nuk" Hopkins.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profil...ins?id=2540165

6'1"
215lbs

Here is my assessment of when I watch Hopkins:
1. Some will try to classify him as a good slot option and while I do agree to a certain extent, I actually think he is best suited for the X or Z receiver spot. When I watch him work the middle of the field I see a guy who keeps his head on a swivel (which is good), but he sometimes loses focus of where the ball is (which is bad). Ultimately, he is pretty consistent over the middle, but I have seen some instances where he seems to be worried about getting hit or where he's going to run rather than just making the catch. If he is drafted by the Ravens, I would really like to see him work on this, because when he does focus solely on making the catch he is money and can make acrobatic grabs with the best of them. Granted, the QB play from Tahj Boyd didn't help his cause from time to time as Boyd is an excellent down-field passer, but his accuracy seems to drop when he has to throw "touch" passes rather than a rocket, but I digress. When Hopkins lines up at the X or Z position, he works the sidelines VERY well. This is his strongest quality as a WR, IMO. He does a great job with double-moves and he can stop on a dime when running come-back routes. He does a nice job adjusting to passes in the air and he wins a lot of contested receptions as well. Against Florida State, he was covered by Xavier Rhodes (a 6'2" 210lb corner who is likely a top 15 pick this year) and Hopkins did a great job beating press coverage from Rhodes and keeping Rhodes off-balance for much of the game. Another thing that I really like about Hopkins is he already knows how to set up corners for back-shoulder passes, which Flacco likes to throw.

*[FTR, I think if Boyd were to have come out he would easily be the 2nd QB taken after Geno Smith]*

2. He isn't the biggest or the fastest guy on the field, but he has nice acceleration (clocked a 4.41 at Clemson's Pro-Day). His frame is tight and muscular with long arms (~34") and big hands (10"). In the video posted below if you watch the whole thing you'll notice how he makes the catch, plants his foot, and then accelerates quickly to pick up nice YAC on several plays. You can also see that he does - contrary to popular beliefs - have enough speed to get vertical and score TD's over the top. He won't outrun many elite-speed corners, but his route running ability gives him enough separation to make plays down the field. Like I said earlier: wicked double move.

Ultimately, I don't think he is a 1st round receiver and with guys like Cordarelle Patterson, Justin Hunter, Tavon Austin, and Keenan Allen getting most of the "WR buzz" I think Hopkins will drop into the 2nd round for sure. If he is someone the Ravens are targeting, then I think it would be wise to trade down from pick 32, pick up extra picks in the mid rounds, and target Hopkins somewhere in the top 20 picks of round 2. OR they could use their 1st round on someone completely different and move up in round 2 for Hopkins. I don't know that he'll last all the way to pick 64.

Current NFL Player that Hopkins reminds me of the most: James Jones.

**The Excellector** · 03-27-2013, 04:52 PM

James Jones can barely catch. It's only due to the fact that Rodgers had to throw him so many passes that he actually caught some and scored some TDs. That's what he tends to do. Show off his skill and score on play. Show off his skill, get wide open and drop a pass on the next play.

**wickedsolo** · 03-27-2013, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by The Excellector

James Jones can barely catch. It's only due to the fact that Rodgers had to throw him so many passes that he actually caught some and scored some TDs. That's what he tends to do. Show off his skill and score on play. Show off his skill, get wide open and drop a pass on the next play.

You keep saying this...but it is unfounded. You're basing your thoughts on James Jones from over 2 years ago where he had a couple of games with drops.

The guy has 21 TD receptions in the past 2 years...you telling me you wouldn't want that for the Ravens?

**arnie_uk** · 03-27-2013, 04:57 PM

I'd take him at 32

**JoeCool5** · 03-27-2013, 05:07 PM

You know, with the way the offseason is going, I would not be surprised if we take a WR at #32. Keenan Allen, Hopkins and Justin Hunter are a few of the names to watch. We have gone defense with our first selections the last three drafts, and we have yet to sign an offensive player this offseason.

**Ravens44** · 03-27-2013, 05:08 PM

I would take him at 32 in a heartbeat unless there is someone there that shouldn't have dropped that far and we need like a starting LT.

Over 80 catches for 1400+ yards sounds great to me after losing Boldin.

**wickedsolo** · 03-27-2013, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by Ravens44

I would take him at 32 in a heartbeat unless there is someone there that shouldn't have dropped that far and we need like a starting LT.

Over 80 catches for 1400+ yards sounds great to me after losing Boldin.

Agreed and the ACC isn't a pushover conference, defensively. He also played well against South Carolina.

**Tolucaraven** · 03-27-2013, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Ravens44

I would take him at 32 in a heartbeat unless there is someone there that shouldn't have dropped that far and we need like a starting LT.

Over 80 catches for 1400+ yards sounds great to me after losing Boldin.

in that offense everyone puts up numbers vs weak ACC defenses. He is average talent wise. Nothing special, Watkins on that team is the stud. Pass. Not much upside. Draft a TE, Like Ertz or Escobar and use Pitta in the slot at times with Dickson is a better way to go, unless Austin drops or you trade up a few spots to nab him. Not a Hopkins fan, ordinary 2nd/3rd rounder type. I like your posts, always right on usually.

**wickedsolo** · 03-27-2013, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Tolucaraven

in that offense everyone puts up numbers vs weak ACC defenses. He is average talent wise. Nothing special, Watkins on that team is the stud. Pass. Not much upside. Draft a TE, Like Ertz or Escobar and use Pitta in the slot at times with Dickson is a better way to go, unless Austin drops or you trade up a few spots to nab him. Not a Hopkins fan, ordinary 2nd/3rd rounder type. I like your posts, always right on usually.

I disagree with you that he is average.

However, I do agree with you that Clemson's offense is designed for big offensive production. I also agree with you that Sammy Watkins is a better prospect, but Watkins is a sophomore and not coming out this year. Hopkins is.

Like I said in my original post: I don't know that I would take Hopkins at 32. I wouldn't be upset if they did, but I don't think it would be good value. I'd rather them take him in round 2 and (if he is one of their top targets) pick up extra picks by trading down.

**Tolucaraven** · 03-27-2013, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

I disagree with you that he is average.

However, I do agree with you that Clemson's offense is designed for big offensive production. I also agree with you that Sammy Watkins is a better prospect, but Watkins is a sophomore and not coming out this year. Hopkins is.

Like I said in my original post: I don't know that I would take Hopkins at 32. I wouldn't be upset if they did, but I don't think it would be good value. I'd rather them take him in round 2 and (if he is one of their top targets) pick up extra picks by trading down.

I hear you, Unfortunately my Girlfreind went to Clemson, so I get to watch those games. He does nothing that stands out to me. He looks ordinary. We dont need to replace Q, we should be looking at an upgrade someone who can stretch defenses more or has the missability or massive size, Hopkins is a tweener. He reminds me of other Raven WR draft picks that never panned out, same MO.

**Mizerooskie** · 03-28-2013, 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by Tolucaraven

in that offense everyone puts up numbers vs weak ACC defenses. He is average talent wise. Nothing special, Watkins on that team is the stud. Pass. Not much upside. Draft a TE, Like Ertz or Escobar and use Pitta in the slot at times with Dickson is a better way to go, unless Austin drops or you trade up a few spots to nab him. Not a Hopkins fan, ordinary 2nd/3rd rounder type. I like your posts, always right on usually.

How'd Hopkins do against LSU, with Sammy Watkins getting knocked out of the game on the first offensive play? I find it ironic that you disregard Hopkins due to the offense and opposition, yet you're building up Tavon Austin.

He's anything but an ordinary receiver. He doesn't have the flash and the dazzling combine numbers that others do. He just does everything that a receiver is supposed to do, and does it very well.

Anyway, nice write-up, wicked.

Some other things I'll add about him:

Expansive catching radius - better than anything the Ravens currently have.
Excellent positional awareness - finds soft-spots in zones; won't run an 8-yard hitch on 3rd-and-10; gets himself open on broken plays
Outstanding body control - you saw some of it in the video posted, but he's outstanding at adjusting to the ball in the air, dragging his feet in bounds, etc.
Willing and physical blocker - he's a very competitive kid and gets after it in the running game

He's not without his weaknesses. As you said, he's not going to run away from speed corners. He's not going to separate on the go-route a la Torrey, and he's not going to juke three guys and go for 80 with the ball in his hands. And while he's naturally strong and compact, I think he's a bit under-developed physically. That's a common trend you'll find with most Clemson draftees, however--their S&C program isn't on par with the Alabamas and LSUs of the world. Though some might consider the physical under-development a strength as a prospect, since there's still projection left.

You mentioned James Jones, but the guy he really reminds me of is Reggie Wayne.

I'd be thrilled if the Ravens took him at 32, and shocked if he lasts until 62.

I am a Clemson alum, so take from that what you will, but the only other Clemson prospect I'd want the Ravens to even think about drafting is Brandon Ford (and only with a very late pick). Well, and maybe Tig Willard too, just because I have a soft spot for him. He won't be anything more than a good special teams player, though.

**Tolucaraven** · 03-28-2013, 01:43 AM

Originally Posted by Mizerooskie

How'd Hopkins do against LSU, with Sammy Watkins getting knocked out of the game on the first offensive play? I find it ironic that you disregard Hopkins due to the offense and opposition, yet you're building up Tavon Austin.

He's anything but an ordinary receiver. He doesn't have the flash and the dazzling combine numbers that others do. He just does everything that a receiver is supposed to do, and does it very well.

Anyway, nice write-up, wicked.

Some other things I'll add about him:

Expansive catching radius - better than anything the Ravens currently have.
Excellent positional awareness - finds soft-spots in zones; won't run an 8-yard hitch on 3rd-and-10; gets himself open on broken plays
Outstanding body control - you saw some of it in the video posted, but he's outstanding at adjusting to the ball in the air, dragging his feet in bounds, etc.
Willing and physical blocker - he's a very competitive kid and gets after it in the running game

He's not without his weaknesses. As you said, he's not going to run away from speed corners. He's not going to separate on the go-route a la Torrey, and he's not going to juke three guys and go for 80 with the ball in his hands. And while he's naturally strong and compact, I think he's a bit under-developed physically. That's a common trend you'll find with most Clemson draftees, however--their S&C program isn't on par with the Alabamas and LSUs of the world. Though some might consider the physical under-development a strength as a prospect, since there's still projection left.

You mentioned James Jones, but the guy he really reminds me of is Reggie Wayne.

I'd be thrilled if the Ravens took him at 32, and shocked if he lasts until 62.

I am a Clemson alum, so take from that what you will, but the only other Clemson prospect I'd want the Ravens to even think about drafting is Brandon Ford (and only with a very late pick). Well, and maybe Tig Willard too, just because I have a soft spot for him. He won't be anything more than a good special teams player, though.

I know him well. He doesnt do much for me. He runs like 5 yard curls, slants without great hands or separation in a spread offense. He doesnt ellude people and isnt overly tough with good YAC. Not a good jump ball guy either, not worth first rounder to me. He really doesnt have moves.

Austin is more slippery than goose shit and can line up outside, inside in the backfeild and return kicks. You cant cover that guy. He has moves and is a bigtime playmaker. He is a threat to score on every play, which will make everyone one around him better.

Hopkins reminds of other notables Raven WR draft picks that never panned out the Williams, Darlings, VA tech guy.. He doesn't have anything that makes you WOW or create a mismatch. He has nothing to hang is hat on. I think Thompson and Doss have more to offer than Hopkins.

If they go offense go take a TE, move Pitta/Dickson to the slot (Pitta is faster, bigger and better hands than Q) Dickson faster and bigger, Hands Meh? Ertz or ( Escobar (can be had a little later) would be nice, Eifert will be gone. Or trade up and take Allen or Austin. Cal's Keenan Allen attacks the ball and is physical. If Fluker is thier that can be considered or Long at G/T or even C, they guy is just a good athelete from good stock and will be a solid pro.