> TIGHT END
Brycen Hopkins (rSR)
Purdue
Measurables: Height: 6’4” Weight: 245 lbs.
1
40 Time: 4.66
NFL COMBINE: 33.5” vertical 116” broad 7.25 sec. 3-cone 4.28 sec. 20 yd 21 bench reps
2019 stats: 61 receptions 830 yards 13.6 ypr 7 TDs
In a Nut Shell:
Blocking: Hopkins is a player who lines up all over the formation. He’s stout enough as a blocker in the running game, but also capable of making plays down the seam as a move tight end. Hopkins shows off the ability to get his hands on opposing defenders and move them in the running game. He is not the most polished blocker yet, but he does look for work. You will not see him standing around on a running play. Receiving: He’s played on the line of scrimmage, in the slot and on the boundary. He’s at his best when playing from the slot, but is physical enough to beat man coverage around the field. He’s a dynamic player in the open field with ability to make plays after the catch. In essence, Hopkins is exactly what teams are looking for with the continued evolution of the tight end position.
CHEESEHEADTV.COM 2020 PRO FOOTBALL DRAFT GUIDE
BEST GAME:
Hopkins’ best performance of the season came in Madison when the Boilermakers took on the Wisconsin Badgers. Hopkins was a one-man wrecking crew, finishing the day with eight catches, 127 yards and two touchdowns. It was a great showcase of Hopkins’ ability to be a big play threat down the field in addition to a red zone weapon. Hopkins’ first touchdown came on a play where he high-pointed the ball in the back of the end zone. It was an excellent display of concentration as two defenders barreled down on him. His second touchdown was off of a trick play. Hopkins sold the fake and found himself wide open down the field. He was able to fend off a would-be tackler to get the ball over the goal line.
Fit with the Packers:
Hopkins has the potential to be the matchup problem the team envisions Jace Sternberger to be. That hasn’t been a high priority in the past, but with Matt LaFleur the Packers use their tight ends much more than they did previously. Hopkins has the ability to block as an in-line player. He has the ability to be a big play threat down the field as well. Adding him to the Packers would give Aaron Rodgers another dangerous weapon he has not had since the days of Jermichael Finley running down the middle of the field.
92
