Who is the best wide receiver in the NFL? It depends on the person you ask.
Obviously, Arizona Cardinals fans will say that DeAndre Hopkins is that guy. He would tell you that, too. Other receivers would tell you they are the best.
However, in Pro Football Focus’ wide receiver rankings entering the 2021 season, Hopkins just misses the top spot.
He comes in second behind Green Bay Packers wideout Davante Adams.
Nuk has ranked sixth or higher in receiving grade among wide receivers in five of the past six seasons, earning 88.0-plus marks each time. In his first season as a Cardinal, Hopkins was once again one of the 10 most productive wide receivers in the league, averaging 2.25 yards per route run. He got there in a bit of a different manner, though.
Hopkins saw a career-low average depth of target of 9.0 yards, well below his previous low of 10.8 yards thanks to Kliff Kingsbury’s offense pumping him screens and other underneath concepts. In turn, Nuk showcased more after the catch than ever before, tying for the most broken tackles at the position (21).
We also saw the same elite ball skills from Hopkins that have become commonplace. His 0.9% drop rate tied for the lowest mark among those with at least 100 targets in 2021, while his 13 contested catches tied for ninth. He hauled in 14 catches within a yard of the sideline, tying for the most in the NFL and extending his lead in that metric since entering the league to 26 (71 in total).
Each one of those metrics shared is impressive.
He is extremely elusive without being speedy. His hands are incredible. He comes down with contested catches. He does great at the sideline.
The question is about how he will be used in 2021 now that he has had a full season in the offense and will have an offseason.
Adams’ yardage and touchdowns last season probably put him ahead of Hopkins, but if Murray takes a step forward in the passing game, watch out for Hopkins’ numbers. He already set a franchise record for receptions. He could do it in yards and touchdowns next season as well.
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