No, it’s not clickbait. It was the trade that shook the universe: DeAndre Hopkins and a 2020 fourth-round pick for David Johnson, a 2020 second-round pick, and 2021 fourth-round pick. We don’t have to say it, but I will anyway; the math doesn’t check out.
Hopkins will move on to the Arizona Cardinals, where he will catch passes from 2019’s No. 1 overall pick, alongside future first-ballot Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald and capable pass catchers Christian Kirk and Kenyan Drake.
What Gives?
Talent isn’t the question. Hopkins has racked up 8,602 receiving yards in his first seven NFL seasons — the seventh-most among all wide receivers in NFL history in their first seven seasons. However, when it comes to fantasy, we’d be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn’t analyze the situation.
Utilizing the RotoViz AYA App, we see that Hopkins has not been Deshaun Watson’s most efficient wideout since being drafted in 2017. To no one’s surprise, it’s Will Fuller. Despite his large hands, focus, and “butt catching” ability, Hopkins has thrived on volume during his time in Houston. He hasn’t had fewer than 127 targets since 2014. He has produced on volume. Can we really project him for volume in such a crowded wide receiver corps with a game plan to scheme guys open?
