The size. The physicality. The acrobatic catches. You’ll see it all on display watching highlights of DeAndre Hopkins‘ early career. Entering the league in 2013, Hopkins made an immediate impact as a rookie with 802 yards in 16 games. In his second season, he made a huge leap going for 76 catches on 127 targets for 1,210 yards and 6 TDs.
Might we have seen a rookie WR in 2022 who hearkens back to a youthful Hopkins? The imposing size on the outside. The “my ball” mentality when going for a contested catch in traffic. While the counting stats didn’t jump off the page in Year 1, this rookie’s talent is undeniable. If anything, his team’s offensive scheme this year might have masked his true potential, giving fantasy drafters a discounted price tag during drafts in 2023.