One of the Rams’ most surprising picks of the draft this year was tight end Brycen Hopkins in the fourth round – not because Hopkins was a reach at that point in the draft, or that he isn’t a promising prospect. It was surprising because the Rams already have two really good tight ends on the roster in Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett, making the position a strength, not necessarily a need.
However, Hopkins was a great value at that point in the draft, so much so that the Rams couldn’t pass him up. And with Everett becoming a free agent in 2021, it makes some sense as to why Los Angeles scooped up Hopkins at No. 136 overall.
But what about Hopkins piqued the Rams’ interest? Sean McVay apparently told scouts to find players who could separate from defenders, which is certainly a strength of Hopkins’.
“What really caught my eye on Brycen while I was watching tape was his ability to separate running tight end routes,” said Ted Monago, assistant director of college scouting. “He was an athletic guy who had some natural savvy and ability, which Coach McVay told us to find players who could double-up and create separation. I always thought Brycen could do that — it was very natural for him.”
“Coach McVay told us to find players who could double up and create separation. I always thought Brycen could do that — it was very natural for him.”
Inside draft meetings evaluating @Itsbhop89 out of @BoilerFootball! pic.twitter.com/PMkfZ1u72F
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 19, 2020
On a pre-draft conference call with Les Snead, one scout pointed out Hopkins’ size and strength, as well as his receiving ability, which is where his real upside is.
“He’s big enough, I think he’s physical enough. He does have some upside as a receiver. His value to me is like, all right, possession guy, fourth receiver, active on game day, great on special teams. He does have value,” said area scout Brian Hill.
Snead said after the draft that the Rams want to get Hopkins involved as a rookie in “exotic personnel packages” on offense, which could be taken as three-tight end sets with Everett and Higbee also on the field.
Snead and McVay have said this offseason that they want to get the tight ends involved more often next season, and Hopkins figures to be included in that.
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