No one who watches the NFL can debate that Deandre Hopkins is one of best wide receivers to ever play the game. Some say he is. But what do the numbers say when putting Deandre Hopkins career into context?
When doing this argument many look to the quarterback carousel Hopkins had to start his career. That would be justified if the topic was "Which wide receiver has had the most impressive career."
We are determining if Hopkins is the best wide receiver, right now. So I think it is more fair and accurate to look at the last three season for good measure.
Hopkins had some pretty awful QB's to start his career, but the last three seasons he's has had a young stud in Deshaun Watson throwing him the ball.
When comparing Hopkins to the other wide receivers right now, there are only two other players that can be compared - Julio Jones and Michael Thomas.
In the last 3 seasons, Thomas leads the group with 378 catches (Hopkins 315, Jones 300), Jones leads in receiving yards with 4515 YDs (Thomas 4375, Hopkins 4115), and Hopkins leads in touchdowns with 31 TDs (Thomas 23, Jones 17).
Based off the statistics, Thomas has the resume for being the best WR in the NFL. Plus, being the second WR ever to win the Offensive Player of the Year Award after Jerry Rice is a huge accolade.
I know Thomas has been playing with a Hall-of-Fame QB since he broke into the league, but his numbers did slightly increase when Teddy Bridgewater was throwing him the ball. Pre-Jared Cook, the passing offense was Michael Thomas or bust - with the second best receiving option being their running back.
Hopkins is no doubt a top-3 WR at his position, but he's probably right at three.
Thomas has been better statistically the last 3 seasons as arguably the best possession wide receiver we've seen in the last couple of decades.
Jones combination of size and speed with his knack for the explosive play makes him more of an attractive option to most as well.
Hopkins is great and will help Kyler Murray take the next leap to NFL stardom, but right now Michael Thomas and Julio Jones are flat out better.
