Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty WR Rankings Countdown—No. 2
Bill Byrne, Featured Analyst, Rosterwatch.com

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2. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson, 6‘1″, 214 pounds, 4.57 –

Hopkins is my favorite wide receiver in this draft class. Unlike Cordarrelle Patterson, his game is extremely well developed and he is an intensely competitive athlete. He should be a very productive NFL wide receiver right from the start of his NFL career.

While he lacks some ability to create separation with speed or quick lateral cuts, he still almost always gets himself open at will by subtle changes of speed and great ability to disguise his routes. He gets off the line with enough burst to get into his route quickly against physical corners. Hopkins is at his best catching the ball outside of his frame and has a huge catch radius (33 3/8″ arms along with a 36“ vertical) which he uses to full advantage.

His ball skills are tremendous, and his leaping ability allows him to get up for a pass above a defensive back. He’s not afraid to go across the middle. Hopkins is aggressive after catch, getting up field immediately and is physical enough to bounce off tacklers. He showed it all against LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Game. This was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen from a college receiver in a big game. Sammy Watkins left the game in Clemson’s first offensive series, so Hopkins was forced to consistently beat double coverage. And he did just that. He also made difficult catches with the corner draped all over him. He had two difficult touchdown receptions, several third down completions and then made the play of the game on 4th and 16 to keep the game-winning drive alive.

Hopkins is not the most dynamic receiver in this draft class. He’s just average when it comes speed and quickness. He will never take the top off of the defense, but he will be outstanding working the intermediate field and also on fade routes in the end zone. What he will be is a driven performer who will work hard and his impact will be felt early at the next level. He has the highest floor in this draft class.