When DeAndre Hopkins was traded from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals, Darius Leonard was glad to see him leave the AFC South. While speaking about the trade, Leonard made a bold claim about Hopkins' Hall of Fame chances.
“For one, I think it was two years ago he didn’t have a drop,” Leonard said, via Mad Dog Sports Radio, when asked why he ranks Hopkins as the league’s top receiver. “He can line up in the slot. He can line up out wide. He can beat you over the top. He can go across the middle. He’s just that great receiver. When you say first-ballot Hall of Famer, he’s definitely a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
Over the past two seasons, Leonard has gotten the chance to face Hopkins twice a year after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Therefore, he's aware of how much attention Hopkins garners when he's on the field, and NFC West opponents will notice that right away.
In his first seven seasons in the NFL, Hopkins has averaged 90 receptions, 1,228 yards and seven touchdowns per season. Besides his individual statistics, Hopkins has also made four Pro Bowls and has earned All-Pro honors in three consecutive years.
There's no doubt that Hopkins is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL right now. Despite Leonard's comments being a bit premature, it's not asinine to believe that Hopkins can be a first-ballot Hall of Famer if he continues his success with the Cardinals.
Altogether, in his seven years, Hopkins has totaled 8,602 receiving yards, which is currently 78th all-time. Barring any injuries, Hopkins still has quite a few years left in his career. The former first-round pick turns 28 years old later this year.
If Hopkins continues at his current pace, he could find himself in Canton sporting a gold jacket someday.
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