The Rams have plenty of talent at tight end, so much so that rookie Brycen Hopkins probably won’t contribute much in his first season as a pro. He’s currently slotted behind Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett, as well as blocking specialist Johnny Mundt.
As a fourth-round pick, no one expected him to be much of a threat in “Madden NFL 21” and on Thursday, his ratings were released. He’s only a 65 overall, which is eighth among all rookie tight ends, but he does have good speed.
His speed rating is 84 – second-best for a rookie tight end – and he gets going in a hurry with 89 acceleration. Where Hopkins gets dinged is his catch rating, which is only 75. That’s because he dropped eight passes in 2019.
His 77 catch in traffic rating is sixth-best, while his short route-running (65) is fifth-best at his position for a rookie.
Hopkins is a somewhat raw prospect, but he’s extremely athletic and should have an impact at some point in his second season – especially if the Rams move on from Everett in 2021.
His upside was too much for the Rams to pass up in Round 4, as he’s a long-term guy on this roster, not an immediate-impact one.
