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Draft Grade - Round 1 DeAndre Hopkins

What grade do you give the Texans for their first round selection?


  • Total voters
    137
With the caveat that one year's A grade doesn't match another year's, I give them an A. They had their pick of WR and they didn't screw around.
 
My grade for the pick is an A. Outside of Austin, They had their choice of WR's. I have to think they got the man they coveted.
 
Here is Walter Footballs grade:

Houston Texans (Last Year: 12-4)

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

27. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson: A Grade
Charlie and I were told the Texans would draft Justin Hunter - but only if DeAndre Hopkins was off the board. Hopkins was discussed to be a candidate for No. 14 overall to the Panthers, so we figured that he wouldn't be available. Well, the Texans lucked out and got their man. Hopkins is a sound, pro-ready receiver who should be able to step in immediately as the starter across from Andre Johnson.
 
Other than the hotel room incident, I really like this pick. Should start WR 2 and imo could be eventual WR1. His pro day he got a 4.46 and 4.41 which is much better than combine. He appears to be most NFL ready and our strengthening coaches should pump him up. Now let's go get OLB/ILB/NT/and a safety.
 
You give an "A" for these reasons:

1.) Andre Johnson is getting older,

2.) Schaub is losing weapons AND needing that help ASAP (remember December? And the Patriots playoff game where James Casey dropped a sure TD right in his hands?).

3.) From what I've read leading up to the draft, Tavon Austin was going to be the first WR taken...no surprise he went early on in Round 1. Which means...

4.) Some team is going to start the run on the remaining WRs, and we did just that by selecting Hopkins.

Is he going to STAY an "A" grade? I dunno. Lots of people were high on Keyshawn Martin in camp, and in preseason, and he sort of clammed up in the reg season.

I gave it an "A."
 
A+


They had their pick of the WR's and got the best of the group slated to go in round 1.

Felt bad for taking him in the TT Mock. New you would take him for the Texans but I like him alot. He is the only WR I wanted at 27 after I got Patterson out of my head.
 
I voted A because there wasn't an A++ choice. I'v been on his bandwagon for a while. First time my guy has been picked! Great choice and day 1 starter. Great call Rick!
 
Great friggin night! Draft falls for us to get our pick of the little WR,

And Jerruh made the night all that much better by reaching down into the 3rd round for their pick. :lol:

:fans:
 
I give it a solid B. They filled a need and didn't take a lot of risk. They got a day one starter who should plug in and produce good numbers immediately. I don't see Hopkins as a Pro Bowler, that's what keeps me from giving an A.
 
Not super excited but a very solid pick, just not a game changer for me, but hey I felt the exact same way about Watt, two years ago. Based on that it is a homerun, I guess I just prefer more of a gamble in a first rounder, right or wrong.
 
I'm going to go with a B. I think there were better choices at need positions, but I'm good with this pick. I hope he's a hard worker and ends up being the Texans best receiver ever. That would be one hell of an accomplishment.
 
A+. We needed a wide receiver, and he is a great balance of potential and floor. I am excited to see this guy's career unfold.
 
I'm good with the pick. I wanted a WR if there were any good ones left at our spot and it turned out that we damn near had our pick of good ones. We chose one of the guys I thought would be a good fit so I'm happy.

Now it's time to see how the rest of the draft unfolds. The next three rounds are where we need to come through and find some immediate contributors.
 
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I give it an A. It was the guy I wanted. I think he fits what we do on offense very well and has shown that he can beat NFL caliber corners. Good run after catch, strength to make the difficult catches over the middle or on poor throws. Look at the LSU, FSU, and NCState games. He can play now and contribute now, in my opinion.

I'm ecstatic!
 
I guess I just prefer more of a gamble in a first rounder, right or wrong.

LOL_WUT_PEAR.jpg
 
We went out and picked the best WR on our board for our team in this draft at pick #27.

Doesn't get much better than that without seeing the kids play NFL football.
 
B, though very close to an A. Glade a weapon was added.

Really glad it wasn't Teo

I give it a solid B. They filled a need and didn't take a lot of risk. They got a day one starter who should plug in and produce good numbers immediately. I don't see Hopkins as a Pro Bowler, that's what keeps me from giving an A.

Just curious - What pick would have given an A?
 
Just curious - What pick would have given an A?

I like Patterson's upside, though he has such huge bust potential that I would probably give that a B as well.

Maybe would have give an A for Woods, but that is just because I'm a USC fanboy and more familiar with him
 
I like Patterson's upside, though he has such huge bust potential that I would probably give that a B as well.

Maybe would have give an A for Woods, but that is just because I'm a USC fanboy and more familiar with him

So you probably weren't giving an A no matter what. That's why I stated that this year's A grade doesn't match other years. An A this year might be a B in a different year. But hey, you go with what's out there. I think the Texans did everything right, given the situation.
 
Felt bad for taking him in the TT Mock. New you would take him for the Texans but I like him alot. He is the only WR I wanted at 27 after I got Patterson out of my head.

Probably the only one of the WR's we discussed as being first round material that I would have taken @ 27 .... Hence I took Short.


No reason to feel bad about it. But I think that was one of those situations where we as Texans fans valued a specific position above some others as I didnt really see the Packers taking / needing a WR. I thought they needed defensive help - DE/OLB/S as well as someone to keep Rodgers upright.

Seems like the NFL GM's agree'd with us with the early run on OT's .... 9 of the first 19 picks were OL.

We didnt take any RB's in the first round - neither did the GM's. (first time thats happened since 1967)
 
Just curious - What pick would have given an A?
Well, had they gotten one of the top 3 OTs, that would have been A worthy. Or a edge rusher like Jordan. I would not have given an A for Tavon Austin. I probably would've give an A grade for Patterson, because I felt he had Dez Bryant/Percy Harvin type ability. But was he a fit in the Texans WCO? I don't think there's any question that Hopkins is a good fit.
 
From what I have seen looks like a talented player.

Not a fan of WRs in the 1st round however.

Should be interesting to see what Johnson, Hopkins, Posey and Martin can put together when everyone is fit.
 
I really like this pick. I don't like picking for need, but I think they went with the best player on their board.

I didn't watch enough college games to really know who would be better between the available receivers. Based on videos and what I've read, though, I think we picked up the best receiver out there. He'll be a great compliment to Andre.
 
A solid A. I never figured he would be there for us. Patterson was taken at #28 - now if there's just a run on WR in the 2nd round this might drop another quality player to us at #57.
 
I give it an A! None of the WR's made my jaw drop in this draft, however, the Texans actually finally filled this need and broke out of the "we only take soup kitchen, church going, perfect credit score players" mentality and showed little gumption and took this guy.

Dude seems like he is a beast just lacks top speed. I'm confident 'Dre can teach this young pup how to ball like a beast!

Now if only the China Doll can not throw it out of bounds and actually throw someone else the ball besides Andre.
 
Hopkins is a beast. Will make an immediate impact.

Dude plays like a buzz saw. Could easily be the best WR the Texans have ever had behind Andre Johnson.
 
Well, had they gotten one of the top 3 OTs, that would have been A worthy. Or a edge rusher like Jordan. I would not have given an A for Tavon Austin. I probably would've give an A grade for Patterson, because I felt he had Dez Bryant/Percy Harvin type ability. But was he a fit in the Texans WCO? I don't think there's any question that Hopkins is a good fit.

How would the Texans at #27 have a shot at the top 3 OTs? Honest question.
 
I like the pick. Hopkins will fit right in. I didn't think he would be there for the Texans at 27. There were only 3 recievers that I thought were 1st rounders and they were the 3 recievers taken in the 1st round. The Texans probably never considered Austin so they basically had their choice and got their man. Grade. A
 
For all those that wanted Patterson, according to some source I can't remember Hopkins was the Texans top WR target (obvious now), but they thought he'd go before they picked. There next choice, and who they went into the draft prepared to draft, was Justin Hunter...Not Patterson...

Anyways...I give this pick an A....

Hopkins is a beast. I just didn't see elite physical talents from him, but the dude is a baller. Very happy to have him.
 
Well, had they gotten one of the top 3 OTs, that would have been A worthy. Or a edge rusher like Jordan. I would not have given an A for Tavon Austin. I probably would've give an A grade for Patterson, because I felt he had Dez Bryant/Percy Harvin type ability. But was he a fit in the Texans WCO? I don't think there's any question that Hopkins is a good fit.

I think we are set for starters on D, Reed is solid Mercilus is gonna be really good. Solid in the middle with Cushing and dobbins. Solid outside with jo jo, and jackson, safety well we got Reed and manning.

It seems like the biggest Glaring need was a solid #2 WR. You can fill the rest of the depth in rd 2 and beyond. We needed a starter at WR and depth everywhere else I think they could not have made a better call. Hopkins plays like a beast just like dre. Beef him up a little and we found our Reggie Wayne!
Not to mention if either Posey or Martin shows up next yr you can use him to give Dre a breather from time to time.

Now if we can get a starting ILB or OLB in rd 2 (moving Reed inside next to cushing) I will be happy too but the biggest need was at WR. We lost those games at the end of 2012 because teams figured out that if you blanket #80 it shuts us down. Our defensive problems came from them being on the field to much and injuries. So you draft depth there and get a solid starting #2 WR. Which we did A+ Rick!!!
 
For all those that wanted Patterson, according to some source I can't remember Hopkins was the Texans top WR target (obvious now), but they thought he'd go before they picked. There next choice, and who they went into the draft prepared to draft, was Justin Hunter...Not Patterson...

Anyways...I give this pick an A....

Hopkins is a beast. I just didn't see elite physical talents from him, but the dude is a baller. Very happy to have him.


I remember JJ Watt being seen as a hard worker, high motor guy that maybe wasn't the strongest, fastest, best guy in college. I like work ethic guys and think Hopkins fits that mold. Love this pick.
 
I'm not grading him yet until I review more games.

Right now, I wish the Texans had traded down though; perhaps multiple trades - down and then back up into the mid second, keeping two seconds and two thirds is the key.
 
For all those that wanted Patterson, according to some source I can't remember Hopkins was the Texans top WR target (obvious now), but they thought he'd go before they picked. There next choice, and who they went into the draft prepared to draft, was Justin Hunter...Not Patterson...

Anyways...I give this pick an A....

Hopkins is a beast. I just didn't see elite physical talents from him, but the dude is a baller. Very happy to have him.

I agree, Hopkins is a beast! I was excited as he was falling right into our lap. He was the 2nd best WR behind Austin imo. Good, size, good hands, good speed...what more could you ask for & how couldn't you give this "A" grade is beyond me. I only thought Hopkins, Hunter, & Allen were the options but the latter 2 have question marks. Patterson's too raw & the mental aspect of his game was being questioned too much. Needless to say, I'm excited about having DeAndre in Houston & FINALLY a guy w/ true #2 potential.
 
For all those that wanted Patterson, according to some source I can't remember Hopkins was the Texans top WR target (obvious now), but they thought he'd go before they picked. There next choice, and who they went into the draft prepared to draft, was Justin Hunter...Not Patterson...

Anyways...I give this pick an A....

Hopkins is a beast. I just didn't see elite physical talents from him, but the dude is a baller. Very happy to have him.

I said a while back that people should just remove Patterson from their boards because he's just not the type of guy Kubiak wants in the huddle.
 
Solid A for me. WR was the only true glaring need on the team imo.

I studied the WR's more than any other position this year. Several weeks ago, I really honed in on Hopkins as a real good fit for what the Texans need.

Sort of a poor man's AJ in some respects. Not the physical specimen that Andre is/was but his game reminds me of Andre - plays physical, good run after catch, comes up big when it matters, consistently productive, willing blocker, good route runner, not a huge deep threat or true burner but can get deep when needed. I loved watching the clips of him, and he dominated some damn good teams/corners.

High floor for this guy. I don't see bust when I look at him. Safest WR pick in the draft imo, and he is the most polished as well. He is ready to start now opposite Andre. It would be a huge upset if he isn't starting day one. Plug him in for the next decade.

Guys that he compares too (at least for me) - A. Boldin, R. Wayne, Roddy White.

Great job Rick and company! :smooch:
 
I'm not grading him yet until I review more games.

Right now, I wish the Texans had traded down though; perhaps multiple trades - down and then back up into the mid second, keeping two seconds and two thirds is the key.

I´m really looking forward to your analysis... in the past drafts those were a real help for us out of towners (or out of continenters) to evalue players we haven`t reallly seen play.
 
I think we are set for starters on D, Reed is solid Mercilus is gonna be really good. Solid in the middle with Cushing and dobbins. Solid outside with jo jo, and jackson, safety well we got Reed and manning.

I'm not sold on Mitchell. The Texans need to draft a good nt. Teams are going to focus on JJ this year and the Texans need to draft some help on the dl for him.

Dobbins is 30 years old and more of a backup than a starter. The Texans need a good ILB next to Cushing. And they don't know how Cushing will be this year after surgery. But Cushing is such a workout warrior that he will probably be back full force. The other option is to kick Reed inside by drafting an OLB. Maybe draft ILB and OLB because in the 3-4 defense LB's are the heart and soul.

The Texans also need someone to replace Antonio Smith in case they don't resign him next year. So DE becomes another important need. They drafted Crick last year but the jury is still out on him. Need depth at DE at the very least.

And finally Ed Reed was a great signing but the guy is 35 and an injury away from leaving a gaping hole in the Texans defense. Plus I believe the wise thing to do would be to draft a good safety prospect to learn under one of the greatest all time.

So yeah I agree with you about the Texans needing depth. But I also think they have some questionable players starting that could be replaced with the right picks.
 
I'm not grading him yet until I review more games.

Right now, I wish the Texans had traded down though; perhaps multiple trades - down and then back up into the mid second, keeping two seconds and two thirds is the key.

I had no idea you were this greedy
:kitten:
 
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