DeAndre Hopkins (1 Viewer)

[JMJ]

Such little talk about this guy in the Shark Pool. His upside is tremendous, but is there such little hype/discussion because as long as AJ is there in Houston he'll always be the #2 option in a run dominated offense?

What are the masses thoughts on this guy for this season? Obviously he's a phenomenal prospect in keeper and dynasty leagues, but is 900 yards and 7 TDs possible? Too high? Too low? Would love to get the Shark Pool's opinion on this kid.

 

[JMJ]

Is he somebody you feel could be relied upon as an every week flex player type of guy? Too soon?

He has 19 targets through two games and put up 5 rec for 66 yards week one and 7 rec for 117 yards week 2.

 

[Carver]

Too soon?

Yes.

 

[jsharlan]

He has unbelievable hands and leaping ability. He'll get more red zone looks than Andre will.

 

[JMJ]

He has unbelievable hands and leaping ability. He'll get more red zone looks than Andre will.

It looks like you're a Texans fan based on your avi so I assume your projection for him would be an educated projection. While I know it's just a guess, and nobody will hold you to it, is 50 yards per game and say maybe, 6 more TDs for the rest of the year a fair projection?

Also, if drafts were today, why tier of WR would he fall in to? Would he be in the preseason tier that contained guys like Decker, Mike Wallace, and Steve Smith? Still a tier below? Etc

Thanks in advance.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Dynasty 16 team ppr. I offered Jordy Nelson and an early 2nd for Hopkins and a mid 1st.

 

[SCT]

I traded him away in dynasty league due to concussion protocol. I predict this is an issue for him to a Jahvid Best extent. The next one will be #3 and he took an inordinate amount of time to recover from #2 during preseason.

 

[JMJ]

- 5 rec for 66 yards week 1

- 5 rec for 89 yards during regulation week 2 (another 2 rec for 28 yards and a TD during OT)

- 6 rec for 60 yards week 3

If you play all 16 games, it only takes an average of 62.5 yards per game to have a 1,000 yard season. DeAndre is currently averaging 72 yards per game (regulation only) which has him on pace for 1,150 yards. He's also doing it consistently with no huge outlier game but rather a consistent average of 5+ catches per game and 60-90 yards per game.

If you do not take away the overtime receptions (I was attemtping to be as conservative as possible), he is actually averaging 81 yards per game and on pace for a 1,300 yard season (1,296 to be exact). The consistent 5+ catches makes him even better in PPR leagues.

It has only been 3 weeks of the season, but that is 20% of an NFL season and the 3 games were the first 3 games of his NFL career. I'm thinking this kid could already be a reliable (low end) #2 WR for fantasy purposes,, and certainly an every week #3. Sky should be the limit in keeper and dynasty leagues, and with his awesome ball skills and huge hands, he should be a reliable red zone threat so the TDs should come.

A lot to be excited about yet little discussion about him. Any contrary opinions? Is there something wrong with his game I don't know since I haven't seen him play a ton?

 

[Shrek]

 

[We Tigers]

I agree that he's been very impressive. The problem is that most of what he did yesterday--and a lot of what he did in week 2--came with Andre hurt and out of the game. Not sure how consistent he'll be if Andre can stay on the field more.

Another potential issue is target volume. The Texans have thrown 128 passes in 3 games. Throwing over 40 times a game is not something that team wants to do. If 6 and 7-target days turn into 4 and 5-target days, a guy like Hopkins loses a lot of his appeal.

That said, I'm onboard with him as a good flex/WR3 play most weeks. If Andre's multiple injuries this season linger, I'd even consider him a viable WR2.

 

[12punch]

Yeah, i'm really surprised nobody's started a thread about him yet

 

[JMJ]

I agree that he's been very impressive. The problem is that most of what he did yesterday--and a lot of what he did in week 2--came with Andre hurt and out of the game. Not sure how consistent he'll be if Andre can stay on the field more.

While I'm not suggesting you're being negative in any way, what you typed (and pretty much what I asked for) was the "glass half empty view" to this.

Taking the same thought process of, "most of his production came with Andre out of the game," the glass half full view of this would be, "An all time great WR goes down, and a rookie in his first 3 games ever is now being keyed on by the defense as the main weapon in the passing game, and he is still beating coverages, producing numbers, and catching contested, game-winning TDs."

Rookie WRs normally always struggle, whether as the #1 option or the #2 option for the defense to take away. He's putting up numbers either way at this point in time which I can only view as a tremendous positive.

 

[We Tigers]

Yeah, I agree it's great for his long-term outlook--he looks to be the real deal. Just not sure how effective that will make him in redraft if Schaub is focused on Andre. I say that as someone who started Hopkins in two leagues this week.

 

[jsharlan]

I agree that he's been very impressive. The problem is that most of what he did yesterday--and a lot of what he did in week 2--came with Andre hurt and out of the game. Not sure how consistent he'll be if Andre can stay on the field more.

While I'm not suggesting you're being negative in any way, what you typed (and pretty much what I asked for) was the "glass half empty view" to this.

Taking the same thought process of, "most of his production came with Andre out of the game," the glass half full view of this would be, "An all time great WR goes down, and a rookie in his first 3 games ever is now being keyed on by the defense as the main weapon in the passing game, and he is still beating coverages, producing numbers, and catching contested, game-winning TDs."

Rookie WRs normally always struggle, whether as the #1 option or the #2 option for the defense to take away. He's putting up numbers either way at this point in time which I can only view as a tremendous positive.

Regardless of glass half full/empty, he is correct. When Andre is in the game, Hopkins gets much less looks from Schaub. He is usually third in progression, Andre, Daniels/Graham, then Hopkins. This is really to be expected in this offense. When Andre goes out though, Hopkins really leapfrogs to the first look. Its also important to point out that alot of the targets are coming in desperation mode. Regardless, Hopkins is making the most of his opportunities, he catches everything, has ridiculous ball skills and good burst. Very polished for a rookie. His ceiling is going to be capped somewhat this year but the presence of Andre and the limitations of Schaub, but the Texans play a brutal schedule this year and I think they will be playing from behind a few times.

As far as your earlier question, I think 6-8 targets a game will be his norm, and I think a few red zone TDs because of his leaping ability. If Andre stays on the field I can see Hopkins in the 700-800 yards and 4-5 TD range. If Andre goes down for an extended time, Hopkins explodes. Part of the trouble with Schaub is he focuses on one guy when he is in trouble, which is why Andre usually leads the league in targets. Its a double edged sword for Hopkins, giving him quite a gap between floor and ceiling.

 

[BearsFan4Life]

Love this guys potential and has led the Texans the last 2 weeks.

14 Team Dynasty ....before the season started

Gave: Nicks

Got: Hopkins, Pierce, 2014 1st Round

 

[SCT]

A lot to be excited about yet little discussion about him. Any contrary opinions? Is there something wrong with his game I don't know since I haven't seen him play a ton?

He's had 2 concussions and took a loooong time to get clear from the most recent one this preseason. NFL protocol could derail him on a 3rd.

He was my first pick in an 8 keeper league and I traded him in a big three-team deal.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

I traded him away in dynasty league due to concussion protocol. I predict this is an issue for him to a Jahvid Best extent. The next one will be #3 and he took an inordinate amount of time to recover from #2 during preseason.

This. In dynasty I'd sell right now while his value is high.

 

[JMJ]

A lot to be excited about yet little discussion about him. Any contrary opinions? Is there something wrong with his game I don't know since I haven't seen him play a ton?

He's had 2 concussions and took a loooong time to get clear from the most recent one this preseason. NFL protocol could derail him on a 3rd.

He was my first pick in an 8 keeper league and I traded him in a big three-team deal.

I traded him away in dynasty league due to concussion protocol. I predict this is an issue for him to a Jahvid Best extent. The next one will be #3 and he took an inordinate amount of time to recover from #2 during preseason.

This. In dynasty I'd sell right now while his value is high.

Wow, concussions have become the new (previous) knee injuries! Lol

While I don't argue its a factor you have to at least consider, I found this quote from Kubiak. He didn't take the concussion test before the last preseason game cause the Texans where holding out their starters. So he didn't "take a looooong time" to get cleared from his concussion. He would have been cleared after missing one game like pretty much all players.

"Hopkins suffered the concussion against the Miami Dolphins during the Texans' second preseason game. He missed the team's final two preseason games, having not passed the NFL's concussion protocol.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said last Thursday after the Texans played at Dallas that had Hopkins taken the test that day, he would have passed."

 

[SCT]

A lot to be excited about yet little discussion about him. Any contrary opinions? Is there something wrong with his game I don't know since I haven't seen him play a ton?

He's had 2 concussions and took a loooong time to get clear from the most recent one this preseason. NFL protocol could derail him on a 3rd.

He was my first pick in an 8 keeper league and I traded him in a big three-team deal.

I traded him away in dynasty league due to concussion protocol. I predict this is an issue for him to a Jahvid Best extent. The next one will be #3 and he took an inordinate amount of time to recover from #2 during preseason.

This. In dynasty I'd sell right now while his value is high.

Wow, concussions have become the new (previous) knee injuries! Lol

While I don't argue its a factor you have to at least consider, I found this quote from Kubiak. He didn't take the concussion test before the last preseason game cause the Texans where holding out their starters. So he didn't "take a looooong time" to get cleared from his concussion. He would have been cleared after missing one game like pretty much all players.

"Hopkins suffered the concussion against the Miami Dolphins during the Texans' second preseason game. He missed the team's final two preseason games, having not passed the NFL's concussion protocol.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said last Thursday after the Texans played at Dallas that had Hopkins taken the test that day, he would have passed."

I'm sure Dr. Kubiak was right.

He wasn't cleared to practice that week either. http://forum.dynastyleaguefootball.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54279

 

[TheLurkerBelow]

I think he's a hell of a player and someone you want to have for dynasty. For redraft this year I think he's a great WR3 option only because his upside is limited. I think what you've seen him do the first three games is pretty much what you can expect. A few targets, a decent amount of yards, and a TD every so often. I'm predicting 900 yards and 6 TDs for the season.

His upside is limited because (and all these have been mentioned, I'm just summarizing):

• He's a rookie which usually limits the number of packages and routes a player is involved in
• Houston is a run first team
• Andre Johnson is still the #1 when he's healthy
• Matt Schaub is very competent, but not a top talent

Basically all I'm saying is "temper your expectations for this season".

 

[JMJ]

I'm sure Dr. Kubiak was right.

He wasn't cleared to practice that week either. http://forum.dynastyleaguefootball.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54279

The team has their own doctors and I'm sure they can (and were) doing their own tests. It isn't like the test the league does is some huge secret thing that only they can perform.

 

[Eminence]

Such little talk about this guy in the Shark Pool.

Sorry bro, but the Sharks were all over this months ago.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=681807&view=&hl=&fromsearch=1

Yeah, i'm really surprised nobody's started a thread about him yet

Except that I did, four-months ago.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Looks like he will be a solid WR for years to come. Reminds me of Roddy White some early in his career. Hopkins could be a perennial top 20 WR but an elite top 5 or 10 I m not so sure of. Who will be the QB in Houston in 3 years when he becomes a complete player? Will AJ retire by then, will there be a transition, will the coach still be there? It is a bit early to answer all these questions but he looks great so far.

 

[SCT]

I'm sure Dr. Kubiak was right.

He wasn't cleared to practice that week either. http://forum.dynastyleaguefootball.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54279

The team has their own doctors and I'm sure they can (and were) doing their own tests. It isn't like the test the league does is some huge secret thing that only they can perform.

Right, so the team doctors didn't think he should practice the week that he didn't play in the game only because starters weren't playing......

 

[GregR]

A lot to be excited about yet little discussion about him. Any contrary opinions? Is there something wrong with his game I don't know since I haven't seen him play a ton?

He's had 2 concussions and took a loooong time to get clear from the most recent one this preseason. NFL protocol could derail him on a 3rd.

He was my first pick in an 8 keeper league and I traded him in a big three-team deal.

I traded him away in dynasty league due to concussion protocol. I predict this is an issue for him to a Jahvid Best extent. The next one will be #3 and he took an inordinate amount of time to recover from #2 during preseason.

This. In dynasty I'd sell right now while his value is high.

Wow, concussions have become the new (previous) knee injuries! Lol

While I don't argue its a factor you have to at least consider, I found this quote from Kubiak. He didn't take the concussion test before the last preseason game cause the Texans where holding out their starters. So he didn't "take a looooong time" to get cleared from his concussion. He would have been cleared after missing one game like pretty much all players.

"Hopkins suffered the concussion against the Miami Dolphins during the Texans' second preseason game. He missed the team's final two preseason games, having not passed the NFL's concussion protocol.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said last Thursday after the Texans played at Dallas that had Hopkins taken the test that day, he would have passed."

I'm sure Dr. Kubiak was right.

He wasn't cleared to practice that week either. http://forum.dynastyleaguefootball.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54279

Not sure what you mean here. Kubiak said on Thursday that he would have been cleared if they weren't on the road and he could have seen the doctors. When the team resumed practice after roster cut down weekend, Hopkins was cleared and practiced.

 

[JMJ]

A lot to be excited about yet little discussion about him. Any contrary opinions? Is there something wrong with his game I don't know since I haven't seen him play a ton?

He's had 2 concussions and took a loooong time to get clear from the most recent one this preseason. NFL protocol could derail him on a 3rd.

He was my first pick in an 8 keeper league and I traded him in a big three-team deal.

I traded him away in dynasty league due to concussion protocol. I predict this is an issue for him to a Jahvid Best extent. The next one will be #3 and he took an inordinate amount of time to recover from #2 during preseason.

This. In dynasty I'd sell right now while his value is high.

Wow, concussions have become the new (previous) knee injuries! Lol

While I don't argue its a factor you have to at least consider, I found this quote from Kubiak. He didn't take the concussion test before the last preseason game cause the Texans where holding out their starters. So he didn't "take a looooong time" to get cleared from his concussion. He would have been cleared after missing one game like pretty much all players.

"Hopkins suffered the concussion against the Miami Dolphins during the Texans' second preseason game. He missed the team's final two preseason games, having not passed the NFL's concussion protocol.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said last Thursday after the Texans played at Dallas that had Hopkins taken the test that day, he would have passed."

I'm sure Dr. Kubiak was right.

He wasn't cleared to practice that week either. http://forum.dynastyleaguefootball.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54279

Not sure what you mean here. Kubiak said on Thursday that he would have been cleared if they weren't on the road and he could have seen the doctors. When the team resumed practice after roster cut down weekend, Hopkins was cleared and practiced.

Don't bother. SCT traded him away in a dynasty league because of the concussion so you're never going to get him to agree that it quite possibly is no big deal. Aaron Rodgers has had 2 concussions in the NFL ... should I trade him in dynasty also?

Also, in case you didn't know, Eminence started a thread on Hopkins months ago.

You're all caught up on the thread now.

 

[SCT]

A lot to be excited about yet little discussion about him. Any contrary opinions? Is there something wrong with his game I don't know since I haven't seen him play a ton?

He's had 2 concussions and took a loooong time to get clear from the most recent one this preseason. NFL protocol could derail him on a 3rd.

He was my first pick in an 8 keeper league and I traded him in a big three-team deal.

I traded him away in dynasty league due to concussion protocol. I predict this is an issue for him to a Jahvid Best extent. The next one will be #3 and he took an inordinate amount of time to recover from #2 during preseason.

This. In dynasty I'd sell right now while his value is high.

Wow, concussions have become the new (previous) knee injuries! Lol

While I don't argue its a factor you have to at least consider, I found this quote from Kubiak. He didn't take the concussion test before the last preseason game cause the Texans where holding out their starters. So he didn't "take a looooong time" to get cleared from his concussion. He would have been cleared after missing one game like pretty much all players.

"Hopkins suffered the concussion against the Miami Dolphins during the Texans' second preseason game. He missed the team's final two preseason games, having not passed the NFL's concussion protocol.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said last Thursday after the Texans played at Dallas that had Hopkins taken the test that day, he would have passed."

I'm sure Dr. Kubiak was right.

He wasn't cleared to practice that week either. http://forum.dynastyleaguefootball.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54279

Not sure what you mean here. Kubiak said on Thursday that he would have been cleared if they weren't on the road and he could have seen the doctors. When the team resumed practice after roster cut down weekend, Hopkins was cleared and practiced.

Don't bother. SCT traded him away in a dynasty league because of the concussion so you're never going to get him to agree that it quite possibly is no big deal. Aaron Rodgers has had 2 concussions in the NFL ... should I trade him in dynasty also?

Also, in case you didn't know, Eminence started a thread on Hopkins months ago.

You're all caught up on the thread now.

Look dude, this guy asked if anyone had anyone with contrary opinions......I am merely relaying my thoughts and move based on the concussion risk...of course he may never have another concussion and of course he has looked very servicable in the first 3 weeks....I realize he has tons of potential and upside, hence my drafting him with my first pick (9th round).

 

[JMJ]

No quotes to prevent scrolling:

All good. I'm the one who asked for contrary opinions and agreed the first time you said it that the concussions have to be viewed as a factor. I guess I just thought it was a bit quick to sell in a dynasty because of them. That's all. Certainly doesn't mean I'm right ...

 

[EBF]

Looks like he will be a solid WR for years to come. Reminds me of Roddy White some early in his career. Hopkins could be a perennial top 20 WR but an elite top 5 or 10 I m not so sure of. Who will be the QB in Houston in 3 years when he becomes a complete player? Will AJ retire by then, will there be a transition, will the coach still be there? It is a bit early to answer all these questions but he looks great so far.

This is my take as well. He looks like a good player and will probably remain so for a long time. Based on his draft slot and his performance so far, I think he's probably a solid top 20 dynasty WR. I would caution against acquiring him with the expectation that he's going to eventually become a perennial top 10 WR though. I think he's naturally more of a possession receiver/1B kind of guy than a dominant player who's going to stack up Pro Bowls. He can be relied on to make the difficult short and intermediate grabs, but he is not much of a big play threat. Not explosive enough to consistently burn people downfield and not a huge threat after the catch. People often compare him to Roddy White, but Roddy was a far more explosive athlete. I would say Hopkins is more comparable to Hakeem Nicks. A bit better in possession situations, but not quite the big play threat.

I like this pre-draft take from CFN:

2. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson (Jr.) 6-1, 214Everyone came to see Sammy Watkins in 2012, but it was Hopkins who stole the show, highlighted by a scintillating performance in the win over LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, catching 13 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. The 4.5 speed is fine, but nothing special, but he’s a strong route runner and is tough as nails when he has to go across the middle. As good as he was, there’s still plenty of upside and potential as he’s just scratching the surface. Coaches will love him because he can block, and quarterbacks will adore him because he’ll catch anything thrown his way. He looks and plays like a No. 1 receiver, but he’s not; he needs a good, dangerous receiver on the other side to help take the attention away. He’ll do all the grunt work needed to make a play.

CFN Projection: Second round

 

[SCT]

No quotes to prevent scrolling:

All good. I'm the one who asked for contrary opinions and agreed the first time you said it that the concussions have to be viewed as a factor. I guess I just thought it was a bit quick to sell in a dynasty because of them. That's all. Certainly doesn't mean I'm right ...

I got Cam, McFadden, and Britt for Russel Wilson, Vereen (post injury), and Hopkins. I think it was a good trade and if Britt gets traded and wakes up it could be gold. Big IF.