While Andre Johnson was busy throwing a little offseason temper tantrum, DeAndre Hopkins was prepping for his moment in the spotlight. After a quiet rookie season, Hopkins immediately became the go-to wide receiver in offseason workouts while Johnson held out. He is continuing that in training camp while Johnson also nurses a hamstring injury. That extra work is paying off and head coach Bill O'Brien is noticing.
Inconsistencies plagued Hopkins in his rookie season. The wide receiver admitted he struggled with the playbook and transition into the NFL while putting up 802 yards and two touchdowns. Considering the numerous issues the Texans had on offense last season, most would consider that a solid year, but Hopkins was expected to do more. However, an offseason of hard work and attention from new quarterbacks and O'Brien is loving the potential the wide receiver is showing in his sophomore season.
"He's one of the guys out there that I think is much improved from April 7, when we started, to where we are now," O'Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle. "He just has to keep it going. He's a very hard worker. It's very important to him. He's a guy that really, in our opinion, gets better and better everyday. So just got to keep it going."
Hopkins showed off that improvement during the team's first scrimmage on Sunday. He hauled in several impressive catches from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick as the two continue to work on chemistry. He brought in a the play of the day on a long touchdown pass. In training camp he is currently at the top of the depth chart especially with Johnson out and it could remain that way whether the veteran is healthy or not.
"I have the same mentality that I had last year," Hopkins said. "I put last year behind me. I'm just coming out here with a new focus and just trying to be the best player I can be."
One person that was left impressed was Johnson himself. While the wide receiver watched from the sidelines, he liked the improvement that Hopkins has made and is confident that he can be a leading member of the team.
"He's definitely comfortable," Johnson said. "He's playing with a lot of confidence and I think that's been the biggest thing. So he definitely looks comfortable and that's something you want to see him continually build on."
Fantasy football owners should take notice. Hopkins looks to be in charge of the offense and while no one is doubting the talent and likely impact Johnson will display whenever he returns, his unhappiness should make everyone give the sophomore another glance. There is no predicting when Johnson returns and just healthy he will be.
