Hopkins arrived in Baltimore with instant credibility from his teammates, based on what he had already accomplished. Younger receivers like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Devontez Walker have picked Hopkins’ brain for knowledge, looking for ways to implement his techniques.
Making Hopkins’ resume more impressive is that he’s done it with many different quarterbacks. He’s caught 85 career touchdown passes from 15 different signal callers. Here’s the list and number of touchdowns thrown to Hopkins: Deshaun Watson (25), Kyler Murray (17), Will Levis (7), T. J. Yates (7), Ryan Fitzpatrick (6), Brian Hoyer (5), Patrick Mahomes (4), Brock Osweiler (4), Patrick Mahomes (4), Jackson (2), Ryan Mallett (2), Tom Savage (2), Case Keenum (1), Matt Schaub (1), Ryan Tannehill (1), and Brandon Weeden (1).
Hopkins would love to have spent his career with a select few quarterbacks, but the cards didn’t play out that way. Yet, his ability to be a playmaker for whoever he’s played with speaks to his talent.
“I’ve never had a quarterback to build that long-term chemistry with that a lot of guys have had,” Hopkins said. “I think the most time I’ve had with a quarterback is two years. That timing, that chemistry it takes to help you have 1,400 and 1,500-yard seasons is important.
“I came here because I knew Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry [are] here. Those guys are playing for something, and I’m just happy to be a part of it and to be in the game during those clutch situations. When my number’s called, I think I’ve come down with it more than I haven’t, so hopefully Lamar and I can keep building off that.”