Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins officially signed with the Baltimore Ravens, inking a one-year, $5 million deal in March. The addition of the veteran wide receiver adds a new dimension to the team’s offense, which is led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. With a remarkable track record of catching passes and making contested catches, Hopkins is poised to become a pivotal player for the Ravens.
On his route charted by Next Gen Stats since the NFL started tracking separation stats since 2016, Hopkins averaged 2.54 yards of separation. This number highlights his elite knack for separation from defenders, a prerequisite for wide receivers in the modern day NFL. Furthermore, during his streak of four consecutive Pro Bowl seasons from 2017 to 2020, Hopkins led the league by catching 12 touchdown passes on tight window throws.
Last year, Hopkins threw into 52 attempts tight windows, the least of any quarterback with at least 500 dropbacks. This difference speaks both to his greatness and the conditions he faced on the court. This didn’t start last year, either, as Hughes has compiled 84 highly controversial catches since being drafted in the 2015 league, which is fifth-most among current players.
Hopkins in particular has plenty of experience getting accustomed to diverse QB skill sets. Over his 12-year career, he’s caught passes from 19 different signal callers. He is currently 16th on the all-time catches list (984) and 21st with his 12,965 receiving yards. His deep expertise will prove invaluable to him as he works with Jackson. Jackson has always wanted to play with him.
This offseason, Jackson showed how serious he was about improving when he went to work trying to improve the Ravens’ receiving corps. He recommended that the institution chase both Hopkins and fellow wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. His vision for creative offensive design is a perfect match for what Hopkins can bring with his toolbox of offensive skills.
In real life, the chemistry between Jackson and Hopkins was the first to develop. During one practice, Hopkins reeled in a sensational one-handed snag on a low, darting throw Jackson fired over the middle. Moments like these have thrilled Red’s fans and teammates as well.
Teammate and fellow defensive back Marlon Humphrey oftentimes calls his new running mate “Mr. Contested Catch.” This moniker speaks to Hopkins’ reputation for thriving in tense scenarios where receptions are difficult and coverage is tight.
“It seems like there’s been a piece that’s been missing,” says Hopkins. He goes deeper into how he thinks he can best fit into that gap in the space provided by the Ravens’ offense.
With limited time together on the field, only three practices including one voluntary workout and two mandatory minicamp sessions, Jackson and Hopkins still have room to build their connection. Even with no practice for them to build chemistry on, both players are electrified about their first future collaboration on and off the court.
“I could be that addition. I could not be that addition,” Hopkins stated candidly about his potential impact on the Ravens’ offense. It’s his performance in those games down the line that will ultimately decide just how significant his presence is.
The Ravens view Hopkins as a game-changer. They don’t doubt he’ll meet the moment and provide Jackson a reliable target with a big catch radius for those signature contested grabs that made him well known. As the season gets underway, fans will be eager to see how this new dynamic plays out on the field.
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