The Los Angeles Rams added two dynamic playmakers on offense in the draft with Cam Akers and Van Jefferson, who they selected in the second round. Akers figures to replace Todd Gurley as the top player in the backfield, while Jefferson will compete with Josh Reynolds for the No. 3 receiver role.
However, tight end Brycen Hopkins could play a key role on offense as a rookie. He’ll be the third tight end behind Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee, but he could contribute in a “big slot” role with his athleticism and pass-catching ability.
At Purdue, the fourth-round pick was one of the most productive tight ends out of the slot. Of all the tight ends in the 2020 draft class, he had the second-most receiving yards from the slot in 2019 with 543.
Harrison Bryant, who shockingly went undrafted, led all tight ends in the 2020 draft class with 730 yards.
Harrison Bryant joins a talented TE room in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/sN08Kur6gi
— PFF (@PFF) May 3, 2020
Hopkins has the speed and quickness to contribute out of the slot. Obviously, Cooper Kupp is the best option for the Rams, but in some of these “exotic personnel packages” that Les Snead alluded to, Hopkins can play a receiver role out of the slot.
He can be a weapon on downfield passes, particularly on seam routes. He ran a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest times of any tight end at the combine. So he can certainly get down the field in a hurry for a player his size.
Just take a look at this clip from last season, which was just a quick throw up the seam, which he broke for a long touchdown.
The answer to the Bears TE problem is simple:
It's Purdue's Brycen Hopkins.
He's the best TE in the draft and pairing him up with a hopefully healthy Trey Burton would be a hell of an upgrade for Trubisky in 2020. pic.twitter.com/Bd546BP7NT
— David Prince (@bydavidprince) January 2, 2020
There’s a reason Pro Football Focus called Hopkins the “most fun to watch” tight end in this year’s class, and it’s plays like this one that are an example why. He’s excellent after the catch and can play inline and detached from the line as a slot receiver.
Sean McVay is going to have a field day with Hopkins available, along with all the other weapons Los Angeles has.
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