When discussing the NFL's top wide receivers, DeAndre Hopkins is one name that has to be mentioned. Since being taken by the Houston Texans with the 27th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, his skills have been on display for the whole world to see.
The first few seasons for Hopkins were rough, given the Texans' below-average quarterback play. Matt Schaub, Ryan Fitzpatrick, T.J. Yates, Brandon Weeden, and Brock Osweiler were under center for the Texans in Hopkins' career.
Even then, Hopkins still managed to put up impressive numbers in just about every category. Today, Hopkins has Deshaun Watson, who is one of the NFL's best up-and-coming signal callers. The ceiling is the sky for the Texans' duo. Or, as Michael Jordan once said: The ceiling is the roof for these two.
The 2019 season should be a monumental one for the Houston wide receiver. Here are three numbers to target for DeAndre Hopkins in 2019.
3. 115 Receptions
In Hopkins' six-year career, he didn't become the number one option until 2014 or 2015. Since then, his numbers have spoken for themselves, especially his receptions. His ability to catch passes with defenders on him is uncanny.
In the last five seasons, Hopkins has averaged 95 receptions every year. In addition, in the last three years, he has averaged 100 receptions per season. In 2018 alone, the Texans' receiver hauled in 115 catches on 163 targets.
How many receptions can the veteran wideout get in his seventh season in the NFL? The duo of Watson and Hopkins continues to build chemistry each and every year. Therefore, it's not crazy to think that the best receiver in football can match his catches from 2018 in 2019.
2. 14 Yards Per Reception
Throughout his NFL career, Hopkins hasn't been known for big plays downfield. Hopkins has always been a complete receiver who does his damage on intermediate routes.
As a result, DeAndre Hopkins has averaged 14.1 yards per reception in his six years in the league. Over the six years, Hopkins has gone anywhere from having 12.2 yards per reception to 15.9 yards per reception.
With Watson under center, expect the number to be around the 14-14.5 range. Hopkins' average yards per reception in his career is 14.1.
His numbers could increase across the board, beyond his yards per reception. That number will likely stay on par with what he's done in his career, since he does the majority of his damage in the middle of the field.
1. 14 Touchdowns
One stat DeAndre Hopkins has done pretty well in establishing and maintaining is scoring touchdowns. Even with below average quarterbacks, Hopkins has always been able to find his way into the end zone.
In three of Hopkins' six seasons, he has had 11 or more touchdowns. Last season, the All-Pro wideout notched 11 scores through the air.
Again, Watson and Hopkins continue to build a better rapport. Thus, there is the belief that the duo hasn't yet reached its peak, especially when one considers that Watson is only in his third season in the NFL.
The Texans' offense should be improved this season with the return of Will Fuller from injury and the emergence of Keke Coutee in 2018. Having those guys will help Hopkins gain more opportunities to score.
In his seventh season, DeAndre Hopkins could rack up a career-high mark in touchdowns in 2019: specifically, with 14 touchdowns. If this is the case, Hopkins should be working on touchdown celebrations as we speak.
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