The Baltimore Ravens are raving about their newest wide receiver, and Kansas City Chiefs fans know exactly why.
After trading for DeAndre Hopkins at the 2024 NFL trade deadline, the Chiefs leaned on the veteran wideout to stabilize a depleted offense. With Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown both out with long-term injuries, Hopkins became a crucial piece down the stretch for an oft-struggling offense.
Months later, Hopkins is drawing high praise from his new quarterback in Baltimore, Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is a big fan of the Ravens’ addition of DeAndre Hopkins.
“That guy is dope,” said Lamar Jackson after a recent workout. “He’s different… I threw him a pass on a wet field and he caught it with his left hand. Didn’t even use both hands to get up. That’s some super-vet type stuff.”
It’s clear that Jackson views his newest target as a prime red zone threat with impressive strength and elite hands. “I’m looking forward to throwing a lot of touchdowns to him this year,” he said.
The Ravens’ passing attack already has its volume target in Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman is also around to stretch the vertical plane. Given the presence of tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and the centrality of Derrick Henry, Baltimore doesn’t need Hopkins to take up much real estate.
Hopkins’ stint in Kansas City may have been brief, but it was impactful. In ten regular-season games with the Chiefs, he caught 41 passes for 437 yards and 4 touchdowns. He quickly became a trusted option for Patrick Mahomes, including an 8-catch, 86-yard, 2-score performance in just his second appearance.
While Hopkins played a minor role in the Chiefs’ postseason run, he provided steady production for a depleted unit. There’s also plenty to be said for the mentoring role he provided for younger players lik Xavier Worthy.
Hopkins is obviously beyond the days of being included in a discussion of the NFL’s top receivers, but there’s enough in the tank to help a contender. He proved that last year in K.C. Lamar Jackson seems to think the Ravens will benefit as well.
