Deandre Hopkins WR Clemson

RollinWith21n52 · 2013-02-28T13:54:39-08:00

This is a player that isn't getting much attention, and until recently I had not paid him any mind myself. Then I found footage for every play from 4 or 5 games and watched. I am completely sold. Here is what I see: Positives Extremely good balance when catching the ball and running after the catch. Fluid after the catch, rarely breaking stride or stopping momentum Very often makes the play. This means he gets into the endzone rather than being tackled short, gets passed the first down marker, keeps his feet in bounds on sideline catches; the guy makes the play rather than almost making the play. Strong hands, and can make the catches Natural catching the deep pass. This is due to skill and not speed. He knows how to catch deep passes, regardless of if he's covered or open. Fantastic route runner. Very very impressive IMO Game speed. He's not track fast (40 time) but in games he constantly outran the defenses. Gets away from defense by finding creases after the catch Great YAC ability and production Ability to catch in traffic (and consistency with doing so) Consistent production (TD in all but 1 games this year) Ridiculous production (>1400 yds 18TD) Trusted to throw the ball at times by team (mixed reviews) Understands where the defense is and is able to put himself into the right position accordingly (pre and post catch) Strong instincts in knowing where the ball will be placed Showed some ability to adjust to the ball Many wins in one-on-one battles against top competition (e.g. Xavier Rhodes and David Amerson) Negatives Lost concentration and dropped the ball at times (NC State game) Had some issues with the bigger CB David Amerson, although did burn him for a long TD as well as other receptions Could have issues securing low, tight passes when well covered by physical defenders Could be more physical with bigger receivers at the LOS YAC normally comes from outrunning defenses or taking great angles, not breaking tackles Mostly dangerous as an outside receiver and red-zone threat. Not terribly dangerous in the middle or on short outs Not good timed speed (40 yard dash at the combine - 4.57) Not the biggest receiver--although far from small, and plays very big Overall Impression While Hopkins doesn't have amazing testing numbers and size, he's able to be extremely effective because of skill. His route running, recognition of defenses, strong hands and body control allow him to play a lot faster than his timed speed would indicate. While benefiting from having an NFL caliber QB (Boyd), he's also gone up against top-level NFL-caliber defenders and consistently defeated them, proving that he could do so at the pro level. He also has the instincts to catch deep passes, which often gets attributed to pure speed, but is actually about a lot more than that (see Ginn, Ted); you must anticipate where the ball would be, position your body, and make sure to get there prior to the defender. His ability to find creases in the defense and maintain his speed and balance after the catch make him extremely dangerous in the open field despite avg. speed and agility. What I love about him is that he's more often making the plays than almost making them. Fit for SF? He's a perfect fit for this team, in my opinion, as he adds the outside dimension that we currently don't have. Vernon Davis is able to go deep due to his speed, but the receivers don't seems to have that ability. He's a perfect compliment Crabtree as they do opposite things well, thus forcing the defense to worry about the middle, the short out route, and the outside. He's been productive, durable, and has the size to hold up in the NFL--all things that the niners seem to look for in their players. Will likely be drafted between 20 - 25, and very unlikely to get passed Houston in the 1st. Player Comparison I've seen him compared to Roddy While and Reggie Wayne. I could even see some Julio Jones the way he's able to fluently catch deep passes and continue up-field in stride, often getting to the endzone. From a size and timed speed standpoint he has similar stats to Hakeem Nicks. Game footage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTJjRlGOCjk - unfortunately there isn't any footage of him blocking, so I refrain from commenting on that. Stats YR- G--- Rec.--- Yards--- Avg.--- TD--- Rec./G--- Yards/G JR - 13--- 82--- 1405--- 17.13--- 18--- 6.3--- 108.1 SO -14--- 71--- 961--- 13.54--- 5--- 5.1--- 68.6 FR - 12--- 51--- 626--- 12.27--- 4--- 4.3--- 52.2

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:07 PM

SunDevilNiner79
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Damn that all original commentary?

Pretty imrpessive to put that together

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:31 PM

SofaKing
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Nice breakdown man! I like this guy too. Maybe we pick him up with one of our 2nd rounders. Now, I want a similar scouting report for all other prospects. GET ON IT.

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:31 PM

Mr.Mcgibblets
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Posts: 15,079

It's good work. I do like Hopkins, but I think he gets less talk because he brings to us what Crabtree already brings to us. Not that it's a bad skill set to bring... it's just not different (complementary) in the way most ideally want.

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:33 PM

TheFunkyChicken
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Posts: 4,364

Yep. After careful scrutiny of at least 10 youtube reels, Hopkins has emerged as my second favorite WR, after Patterson. And truthfully, Hopkins might be a better fit because he's less of a project.

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:35 PM

dyNASTYmode
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Posts: 133

Kind of like Alex Smith, good not great, nothing special. Good route runner but only saw big plays on double moves or busted coverage. Nothing like Reggie Wayne, Roddy White, or Julio Jones, bad comparisons, More like a slower Torry Smith.

I don't understand why people like Amerson from NC state in the 2nd round he doesn't look elite. I guess alot of webzone base a players ability from height, weight, speeed? Xavier Rhodes looked like a much better CB, but gave up one big playing a cover 2 so I won't put that responsibility on him.

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:38 PM

Mr.Mcgibblets
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Posts: 15,079

Originally posted by dyNASTYmode:
Kind of like Alex Smith, good not great, nothing special. Good route runner but only saw big plays on double moves or busted coverage. Nothing like Reggie Wayne, Roddy White, or Julio Jones, bad comparisons, More like a slower Torry Smith.

I don't understand why people like Amerson from NC state in the 2nd round he doesn't look elite. I guess alot of webzone base a players ability from height, weight, speeed? Xavier Rhodes looked like a much better CB, but gave up one big playing a cover 2 so I won't put that responsibility on him.

You dare to speak his name here?!? Get him !!!!!

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:59 PM

RollinWith21n52
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Posts: 2,948

Originally posted by SunDevilNiner79:
Damn that all original commentary?

Pretty imrpessive to put that together

Thanks. Just what I saw from what I could find. Tried not to read scouting reports first to influence me.

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:59 PM

RollinWith21n52
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Posts: 2,948

Originally posted by SofaKing:
Nice breakdown man! I like this guy too. Maybe we pick him up with one of our 2nd rounders. Now, I want a similar scouting report for all other prospects. GET ON IT.

Thanks. Maybe not a bad idea. Maybe I'll try to do another one

Feb 28, 2013 at 4:01 PM

RollinWith21n52
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Posts: 2,948

Originally posted by Mr.Mcgibblets:
It's good work. I do like Hopkins, but I think he gets less talk because he brings to us what Crabtree already brings to us. Not that it's a bad skill set to bring... it's just not different (complementary) in the way most ideally want.

I disagree. I see a completely different player. Whereas Crabtree is dangerous in the intermediate game and even catching screens, Hopkins does most of his damage on the outside, especially with the deep ball. He's a much more natural receiver on the outside, and much more natural catching a deep pass over the shoulder. Crabtree also gets YAC through movement and cut-backs, while Hopkins finds the seam, and hits it hard.

[ Edited by RollinWith21n52 on Feb 28, 2013 at 4:02 PM ]

Feb 28, 2013 at 4:14 PM

#10

RollinWith21n52
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Originally posted by dyNASTYmode:
Kind of like Alex Smith, good not great, nothing special. Good route runner but only saw big plays on double moves or busted coverage. Nothing like Reggie Wayne, Roddy White, or Julio Jones, bad comparisons, More like a slower Torry Smith.

I don't understand why people like Amerson from NC state in the 2nd round he doesn't look elite. I guess alot of webzone base a players ability from height, weight, speeed? Xavier Rhodes looked like a much better CB, but gave up one big playing a cover 2 so I won't put that responsibility on him.

Don't see the Torry Smith comparison. Smith does his damage through speed. Hopkins through route running (double moves) and body control. What's wrong with a player that gets big plays off of double moves?

Also, you may not love Amerson, but he's clearly an NFL caliber player. A lot of the damage WRs do is against CBs that will never play a down in the pros. Hopkins has shown the ability to do it against NFL-level competition.

On a final note, since when does 2nd round = elite?

Feb 28, 2013 at 4:50 PM

#11

OtisDriftwood
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Posts: 1,146

Im on the Hopkins bandwagon myself. If we can grab him with our 2nd or 3rd pick then great. Like said before not the best measurable but I see him like Anquan Boldin. He's a beast against very good quality teams.

Feb 28, 2013 at 4:52 PM

#12

OtisDriftwood
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Id love to have 2 crabtrees on our team, we have enough little WR's Hopkins isnt huge but plays way bigger then his size. Honestly watching his bowl game he looks like a 6-3 220 lbs wr. He made every play for that team.

Feb 28, 2013 at 5:07 PM

#13

RollinWith21n52
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Posts: 2,948

Hopkins is a guy expected to go to Houston by many. If the team wants him, not only will it be with the first pick, but will require a trade up. This guy is legit, and IMO opinion, completely worth it.

Feb 28, 2013 at 5:11 PM

#14

GORO
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Posts: 2,251

Keenan Allan reminds me of an Anquan Boldin type reciever
Hopkins I love his double move and how he takes a short reception and then accelerates past defenders.
But maybe the Niners should go after Woods or Justin Hunter in the third round.

Confused so many good options. A.J. Jenkins why have you put us in this situation?