After quiet rookie year, Brycen Hopkins has golden opportunity to help Rams in 2021

[Merlin]

I really like Akers, and consider him the #1 RB but I also think Henderson is an excellent #2 RB.

If Akers were to go down for an extended amount of time we'd be in trouble if we're relying on Hendy. But the Rams have learned this two seasons in a row so I am sure they look at Jones as an option to help limit that effect. They said they were ready to start Jones in the playoffs. So they clearly like him. I'll just feel a lot better once I see some of Jones in this offense even if it's preseason snaps.

 

[Rams43]

It’s funny so many people have so much hope in Hopkins. Guy is nothing more than a filler at best.

Rams fans get obsessed with finding a gem from nowhere but this guy has shown ZERO potential and will blind themselves from reality.

He’s worse than Pead everybody was obsessed about a few years back.

It’s just too early to evaluate Hopkins either way just yet.

The Rams claim they took him when he unexpectedly fell into their lap despite an apparent lack of big need at TE. A classic BPA move.

So I’m cautiously optimistic about Hopkins until he proves himself one way or the other. We should also remember that TE is one of those positions that most players need time to decently absorb.

 

[So Ram]

Hendy too. Hendy was Snead's pick judging from the draft vid the Rams put out. I suspect Hopkins was similar.

Both might beast this year too who knows. But you can't bank on that.

HENDO had a nice season.He adds a dimension I haven’t seen with The Rams.It is easy to be negative.

Hopkins is nice piece of this offense on paper alone.Actually a perfect pick.
He is no George Kittle,but should put up average numbers.We’ll see what preseason looks like ? The Rams will have another young(rookie) TE after the draft at the least.

Blanton is an interesting TE on the roster at 6”6 260

Johnny Mundt was brought back so he brings that veteran stop gap The Rams like to use to help the salary cap.He is a Pro’s Pro.I think he brings that Mizzu
back to The Rams for you. This group will show you.

Phillips & Mcvay are teamed up together again.I’m interested to see what they have in store.Kevin O’Connell worked with Phillips for a season as well in Washington.​

 

[Merlin]

HENDO had a nice season.He adds a dimension I haven’t seen with The Rams.It is easy to be negative.

Hopkins is nice piece of this offense on paper alone.Actually a perfect pick.
He is no George Kittle,but should put up average numbers.We’ll see what preseason looks like ? The Rams will have another young(rookie) TE after the draft at the least.

Blanton is an interesting TE on the roster at 6”6 260

Johnny Mundt was brought back so he brings that veteran stop gap The Rams like to use to help the salary cap.He is a Pro’s Pro.I think he brings that Mizzu
back to The Rams for you. This group will show you.

Phillips & Mcvay are teamed up together again.I’m interested to see what they have in store.Kevin O’Connell worked with Phillips for a season as well in Washington.​

Good to see you coming around to my point of view. I went to the mall yesterday too. But the amusement park was the best part of last week's adventures.

 

[Corbin]

It’s just too early to evaluate Hopkins either way just yet.

The Rams claim they took him when he unexpectedly fell into their lap despite an apparent lack of big need at TE. A classic BPA move.

So I’m cautiously optimistic about Hopkins until he proves himself one way or the other. We should also remember that TE is one of those positions that most players need time to decently absorb.

I understand TEs usually take 2-3 years but he has 0 catches and zero anything. If he was some supposed gem in the rough he’d been on the field a little.

Time to move on a draft somebody who we can bank on.

 

[So Ram]

If Akers were to go down for an extended amount of time we'd be in trouble if we're relying on Hendy. But the Rams have learned this two seasons in a row so I am sure they look at Jones as an option to help limit that effect. They said they were ready to start Jones in the playoffs. So they clearly like him. I'll just feel a lot better once I see some of Jones in this offense even if it's preseason snaps.

Calias is a guy to keep an eye on as well.The Rams had him rated higher on there board.
This years draft I have done basically Zero research on players.Well just enough to form a decent opinion.
I know Ram Fans were down on T. Lewis.I actually Really like this 2020 draft class.In fact I think it will be the best Draft Class McSnead has had.I can compare the 2 draft classes line for line.
Anyway the draft is getting closer.I would like a few players. The Center from Bama & put him on the pup list would be my first choice ?
- I think Snead has not really drafted a Fast Edge Rusher early.
-A stud DLMAN NT ? The 3 udrfa make as much sense as Jones though.
-A CB
- A bigger RB/FB ? Like you said if Cam goes down The Rams will need a RB bigger than 205lbs.

 

[So Ram]

Good to see you coming around to my point of view. I went to the mall yesterday too. But the amusement park was the best part of last week's adventures.

Nice - yeah going to be good once things get back to some what normal.
I’m into Gardens so believing that all things don’t grow at the same rate.

Always up for a good laugh or a joke.Bumper Cars & autotopua are cheap thrills.Air hockey & Coasters.
- Eye Candy in the summertime & window shopping. Sometimes it is hard to make the choice of wants or needs.Then again cost figures it.

 

[Ram Ts]

It’s just too early to evaluate Hopkins either way just yet.

The Rams claim they took him when he unexpectedly fell into their lap despite an apparent lack of big need at TE. A classic BPA move.

So I’m cautiously optimistic about Hopkins until he proves himself one way or the other. We should also remember that TE is one of those positions that most players need time to decently absorb.

100%.
Seriously I’m shocked so many have already labeled this guy as a bust after one year. He had two starting caliber vets in front of him (& more). He’s a rookie during the CV year - at a position that usually requires more time. Plus he needed to gain strength. How did Everett and Higbee look their first year and neither had much of anything in front of them on the depth chart.

He may turn out to be a bust and wasted pick. But it’s a bit ridiculous to say that now with certainty. Seems everyone wants to make snap judgements these days. Heck I remember back in the day when the norm was drafted QBs sat for 2-4+ years.

 

[Allen2McVay]

... he has 0 catches and zero anything. If he was some supposed gem in the rough he’d been on the field a little.

Time to move on ...

I have no idea if Hopkins can play but I don’t understand the certainty of your opinion.

It’s true that Hopkins has ‘zero anything’ and he rarely saw the field. However, it’s also true that Higbee, Everett and Mundt combined to play in 47-out-of-48 games this past season.

Were the Rams going to suit-up four Tight Ends?

I don’t think McVay has dressed 4 TEs in a single game in the past four years.

 

[Merlin]

100%.
Seriously I’m shocked so many have already labeled this guy as a bust after one year. He had two starting caliber vets in front of him (& more). He’s a rookie during the CV year - at a position that usually requires more time. Plus he needed to gain strength. How did Everett and Higbee look their first year and neither had much of anything in front of them on the depth chart.

He may turn out to be a bust and wasted pick. But it’s a bit ridiculous to say that now with certainty. Seems everyone wants to make snap judgements these days. Heck I remember back in the day when the norm was drafted QBs sat for 2-4+ years.

I think it's moreso just looking at things from a realistic point of view. We're not gonna hit on every pick. Already had quite a few hits from that draft in fact. The guy has shown nothing so far so I think some of us are just waiting for him to actually do something.

 

[1maGoh]

Did you know that its mathematically impossible for Hopkins to double his output from last year? Lol

2x0=0. Seems like doubling his output is the default option.

 

[CGI_Ram]

He's definitely "McVay's type of TE." To date if you look at McVay's successes it's been one TE in Washington and he was basically a big WR who can iso the LBs and safeties. Everett looked cut from the same cloth but he was a dumb guy IMO, something just wasn't right with Gerald.

And I'll be honest that I don't like the "Big WR" type TEs. I like the classic, big and physical guys who can catch the ball then punish DBs instead of running by them. So the only TE who would have me doing backflips is Friermuth. If they take Jordan I'll cross my fingers but for my money I'd want a guy like Bavaro who DBs are like "Goddammit I gotta tackle this fucking musclehead" when they see him with that ball. Mentally players like that can wear down defenses.

Everett couldn’t keep his head in the game.

Physically he showed signs, but guys that “drift like that“ are streaky players. And that’s what we saw when he was here.

And yeah... Bavaro type would be great.

 

[So Ram]

I think it's moreso just looking at things from a realistic point of view. We're not gonna hit on every pick. Already had quite a few hits from that draft in fact. The guy has shown nothing so far so I think some of us are just waiting for him to actually do something.

COME ON MAN - realistic?? Dudes dad played in The NFL. He has all the combine stats you would ask for to be a starting TE. Yeah- it was a COVID YEAR. Excuse ?? He came out after his JR year. He was drafted for potential. Same with T. Lewis.
Realistic?? Look at The Rams roster. Look at the Comp Picks McSnead have had. JJoyner is an example of coaching. Tavon Austin is an example still a bust
and just cutting losses. Trading up for both those players is why Jeff Fisher is hiring his son as a DC for Tennessee State or whoever team that is. It was his son that J Joyner on hard knocks got frustrated with & walked during practice.
I think both Shula & Phillips will have a BIG SAY into there success. The talent is there & Les Snead did his part along with there scouting department.In fact The Rams got a REAL Comp Pick because of The Rams success.

 

[So Ram]

2x0=0. Seems like doubling his output is the default option.

I think you both need go back to school,or at least do grade school Zoom with the new Math ?? Maybe it’s me,but there is a way to double it if you add the years & production.In fact I guess it could go to infinity so any past zero is doubling & beyond.

I don’t know ? Just a dumb ass opinion. The fact is it would be nice to see him actually get more than 2 snaps and a pass thrown to him by Stafford.
Hopkins does look like he is taking the offseason seriously & is ahead of any of the TE’s in the draft.
I get Pitts will be a Top 10 pick & has more talent.

 

[So Ram]

Everett couldn’t keep his head in the game.

Physically he showed signs, but guys that “drift like that“ are streaky players. And that’s what we saw when he was here.

And yeah... Bavaro type would be great.

Big Mark - with an Italian Flavor. Higbee is a smaller version.Blanton could be that type of guy though ? Whitworth on Hardknocks was doing a little Mentoring.
I could go down the road Whitworth opened up on Best 5 upfront & he would play guard ?

Everett for whatever reason just didn’t workout.He missed to many passes,but his Blocking was excellent.He Will do well in the Northwest.playing for a contract with coaches he knows & will be the guy.Add Will have more time to get open & work with the QB.

Josh Reynolds to me was the much bigger headcase. He was like thinking while he was running the play.Had no natural instincts to the game.He has pure talent & skill though.

 

[Corbin]

I have no idea if Hopkins can play but I don’t understand the certainty of your opinion.

It’s true that Hopkins has ‘zero anything’ and he rarely saw the field. However, it’s also true that Higbee, Everett and Mundt combined to play in 47-out-of-48 games this past season.

Were the Rams going to suit-up four Tight Ends?

I don’t think McVay has dressed 4 TEs in a single game in the past four years.

My certainty comes in if he had anything whatsoever he would have been able to at least pass Johnny Mundt on the depth chart.

The best players play and the way he sees the field this year is because only Everett left and no high level draft pick or no good UDFA gets picked up.

 

[dieterbrock]

WTF - dude. Wake up!! It’s like all the Lewis injury talk.There are knee concerns,but the experience & team bonding he got were priceless.Just being out there & making maybe a season changing play was fun to watch.He has the offseason to prepare.I’ll use Covid as an excuse for Lewis not having to do to much & have an injury because of it. Perspective of 2020 last season moving into the 2021 draft.
—BTW Johnny Mundt is back.Blanton might be a solid TE fit to that group & at least challenge for a roster spot.
—Gerald Everett in Seattle will be a Top 10-15 TE in 2021.imo
Jefferson had a frustrating season playing behind Josh Reynolds.He learned a lot by that experience & will have only pushed himself more.
—Yeah - Fuller was a nice Les Snead find.I sure would have rather him than Bryce Hopkins.Same with Burgees.There are concerns with injuries in The NFL for getting that NFL experience that he got.

Jefferson & Hopkins dads both were Pro Players.

Lewis will have RAMsey watching his back.

Dude, read what I wrote again. My god you couldnt have missed the point any further.
Hopkins had zero opportunities. ZERO. The other rookies, who also dealt with the Covid off season, all played, even those injured. Stay with me now.....

 

[Allen2McVay]

My certainty comes in if he had anything whatsoever he would have been able to at least pass Johnny Mundt on the depth chart.

This is where we disagree.

I don’t think it’s as simple as the best three TEs are the game-day actives. I think it’s the three TEs the coaching staff believes will provide the best chance to win.

The third TE only plays in case of injury or in short yardage situations. Mundt was the better blocker and a well-regarded special teams player, so he would get the nod over Hopkins.

Again, this is not a pro-Hopkins post. I have no idea if the guy can play. I have never seen him play.

 

[So Ram]

Dude, read what I wrote again. My god you couldnt have missed the point any further.
Hopkins had zero opportunities. ZERO. The other rookies, who also dealt with the Covid off season, all played, even those injured. Stay with me now.....

Like I say - who Freaking cares what other players did.It’s about his skill level & upside.

If you see how Mcvay runs The Rams you would understand about experience.Covid effects each player & position differently.To say not being able to not play a preseason game didn’t effect any of the players is silly.
Cam Akers imo got injured rain the season because he didn’t have a preseason.Jones as well.He might have won a job on special teams.
-There is a saying Jeff Fisher used about players that know how to play when the lights come on.If the lights don’t come on then what do you see. HELLO!! Anybody HOME ?
I can’t wait for the preseason.

Do you remember 2019 ??

 

[dieterbrock]

Like I say - who Freaking cares what other players did.It’s about his skill level & upside.

If you see how Mcvay runs The Rams you would understand about experience.Covid effects each player & position differently.To say not being able to not play a preseason game didn’t effect any of the players is silly.
Cam Akers imo got injured rain the season because he didn’t have a preseason.Jones as well.He might have won a job on special teams.
-There is a saying Jeff Fisher used about players that know how to play when the lights come on.If the lights don’t come on then what do you see. HELLO!! Anybody HOME ?
I can’t wait for the preseason.

Do you remember 2019 ??

I guess this is your first year following the Rams.
You see McVay plays his rookies right away, particularly those offensive skill positions. For a player to come to the Rams with McVay, with the intention of playing right away, and then not see one pass thrown his way, is absolutely unheard of.
On top of it, the skill set that he provides is one of the major things coach said was missing from his offense.
Again, if you were familiar with how SM runs things, you'd know that if he has a toy, he likes to play with it.
Not limited production, not poor production, absolutely ZERO production.
Its incomparable to any other player who has been drafted.