NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 wide receivers in today’s game
WR. DeAndre Hopkins. 3. player. Scouting Report. 32. Pick Analysis. Arizona Cardinals
Why trade a receiver who has five 1,000-yard campaigns in seven seasons in the NFL? Houston Texans fans are still scratching their heads trying to answer that question after Bill O’Brien inexplicably dealt Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for the meagre return of running back David Johnson and a second-round pick.
What makes Hopkins’ numbers even more impressive is that he has compiled them despite having to play with a carousel of mediocre quarterbacks prior to Deshaun Watson’s arrival in Houston and receiving little assistance from a receiving corps that has too often been hindered by injuries.
Hopkins was the one constant for the Texans, his incredible body control and ball tracking meaning he has never needed much separation to maintain his position among the league’s elite at receiver.
The arrow continues to point up for the former Clemson star following his trade to Arizona, where he will have an extremely accurate downfield thrower in Kyler Murray and a supporting cast that includes the seemingly ageless Larry Fitzgerald and an exciting deep threat in Christian Kirk.
Hopkins’ limitations are few and he has overcome them to put together a remarkable NFL career. If he hits the ground running in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, he could be atop this list come next year.