In his inaugural season with the Baltimore Ravens, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins finds himself in an unusual position—rated as underrated or an unsung hero despite his remarkable career achievements. The 13-year veteran currently ranks third on the team in receiving yards and is tied for second in touchdown receptions. However, context is key, as only third-year Pro Bowl standout Zay Flowers has surpassed 300 receiving yards, while Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews leads in scoring receptions.
This year, Hopkins appears to be headed for the least productive season of his storied career, having recorded just 13 catches on 23 targets for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Despite these statistics, his influence on the team transcends mere numbers. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson underscored Hopkins’ professional demeanor, stating, “That’s why he’s a Hall of Famer … When his number’s called, he’s making plays for us.”
When the Ravens signed him during the early stages of free agency, the expectations for Hopkins were not to assume the role of the team’s primary receiver; that responsibility has belonged to Flowers and talented former first-round pick Rashod Bateman. Instead, the team brought Hopkins on board to offer veteran presence and to serve as an elite contested catch specialist.
Even with a modest average of two targets per game, Hopkins has proven his value in critical moments, making at least one clutch reception in four of the Ravens’ five wins. Notably, during a recent game, his crucial 11-yard catch on third-and-12 set the stage for a game-winning play on fourth-and-1, showcasing his reliability even if his overall production seems limited.
Head coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence in Hopkins’ ability to deliver when isolated for plays, highlighting an impressive catch that had significant implications for the game. Furthermore, while he has faced diminished involvement, Hopkins continues to uphold productivity, leading the squad with 16.8 yards per catch and successfully converting nearly 70% of his receptions into first downs. Jackson has noted his desire to involve Hopkins more often, particularly because of his impressive catch radius.
Sharing the spotlight with Hopkins is third-year running back Keaton Mitchell, who is increasingly earning a role in the offense. After a slow start to the season, Mitchell has made an impact in the past few games, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and providing explosive plays in various contexts. The Ravens recognize the effectiveness of their skill-position players and are eager to expand their contributions for the remainder of the season.
As the Ravens move further into the season, the synergy between Johnny and Hopkins is expected to grow, creating a promising outlook for the offense. The blend of veteran skill and youthful talent like Flowers and Mitchell showcases the potential of the Ravens as they strive for success on the field.