Why DeAndre Hopkins is a GREAT SIGNING for the Titans: Film Breakdown

In this film breakdown, we take a look at 5x All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins, who the Titans signed to a 2-year, $26M deal.

James Foster

Jul 18, 2023 3:44 PM EDT

Although DeAndre Hopkins is probably 75% of what he was in his prime, he is still a very solid WR. He has lost a step, but he was never a runaway speedy WR in the first place. He wins with smooth and crafty routes, excellent hands, and great jump ball skills. Paired alongside Treylon Burks, Kyle Philips, and Chig Okonkwo, I think Hopkins could thrive in the Tennessee offense, that relies heavy on play action.

Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins Film Breakdown

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Strengths:

1. Exceptional Hands: Hopkins has remarkable hands and is known for his ability to make difficult catches. He has great hand-eye coordination and can consistently come down with contested catches, even in tight coverage.
2. Route Running: Hopkins is a precise route runner. He has a wide range of routes in his repertoire and is adept at creating separation from defenders with his route-running skills. He uses subtle movements, changes of speed, and breaks to get open consistently.
3. Body Control and Adjustments: Hopkins possesses excellent body control, body positioning, and the ability to make mid-air adjustments. He can contort his body to make acrobatic catches and win contested jump balls.
4. Physicality: Despite not having elite speed, Hopkins uses his physicality effectively to gain separation and win battles against defensive backs. He can outmuscle defenders and use his body to shield them from the ball.
5. Football IQ: Hopkins has a high football IQ and understands the game exceptionally well. He reads defenses effectively, finds open spaces, and has a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. He also demonstrates strong situational awareness.

Weaknesses:

1. Speed: While Hopkins has good speed, he does not possess elite deep speed compared to some other wide receivers. However, he compensates for it with his route-running precision and physicality.
2. Yards After Catch (YAC): Hopkins is not known for his exceptional YAC ability. He is more of a possession receiver who excels at making catches in traffic rather than creating big plays after the catch.
3. Separation Speed: Although Hopkins is a skilled route runner, he sometimes struggles to gain separation from elite cornerbacks with pure speed alone. He relies more on his technical skills and physicality to create separation.

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