The Baltimore Ravens enhanced their skill-position group by signing veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during the offseason, a move that is influencing the team beyond just on-field contributions. Although Hopkins, who recently turned 33, is no longer in his prime years of All-Pro production, his impact is proving valuable in guiding younger players and enriching the team’s offensive approach.

While Hopkins may not be the primary target in Baltimore’s passing game this season, with emerging stars like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman ranked ahead of him, as well as tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely commanding significant attention from quarterback Lamar Jackson, his experience remains an asset. Hopkins recorded 56 catches on 80 targets last year during stints with the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs, scoring five touchdowns, four of which came with the Chiefs after a midseason trade that bolstered their championship push.

Hopkins Influences Ravens’ Younger Receivers Through Mentorship

Beyond his performance on the field, Hopkins’ leadership is receiving praise, especially for his role mentoring the Ravens’ younger wideouts. ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler highlighted how Chiefs coaches admired Hopkins’ coaching abilities, noting his hands-on approach in helping rookie receivers refine their routes and understanding.

“When I was at the Super Bowl, I remember a couple of Chiefs coaches telling me how impressed they were with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ coaching ability after they’d traded for him midseason,”

Graziano wrote.

“They credited Hopkins with helping the development of rookie receiver Xavier Worthy, saying Hopkins would grab Worthy after drives and go over routes with him on the tablets. Hopkins even made suggestions for changing practice drills that were well-received enough that the Chiefs’ coaches changed the drills.”

The Ravens are clearly hopeful Hopkins can provide similar support to Flowers and Bateman, both of whom have accumulated more experience than Worthy but could benefit from additional refinement. Elevating these receivers could significantly enhance Todd Monken’s offense this season.

Jackson Gains Tactical Advantage From Hopkins’ Insight

Hopkins is also helping Lamar Jackson adjust to the Ravens’ evolving offensive system, offering valuable input on passing game concepts and playbook development. His involvement extends to collaborating with offensive coordinator Todd Monken to incorporate strategies that suit Jackson’s strengths.

“Hopkins has been a help to Jackson in terms of figuring out passing game concepts that Jackson likes and getting (Monken) to add them to the playbook. Hopkins isn’t done playing, obviously, but late in his career he seems like the type of player who can have an impact on a team in a lot of different ways.”

The chemistry between Jackson and Hopkins appears to be developing rapidly despite the receiver’s late arrival in Baltimore. Quarterbacks coach Tee Martin shared an example from training camp where their trust was evident during a red zone play, which resulted from quick thinking and instinct.

“(The called play) didn’t go right, and Lamar just stuck with him, and it ended up being a touchdown,”

Martin said after practice on July 31.

“You usually don’t see that kind of trust with a new face this early in training camp. So, I think DeAndre has a history of making quarterbacks feel good, because the outcome has been good most of the time. He makes plays.”

Importance of Their Early Impact on Ravens’ Season Outlook

The early influence of Lamar Jackson and Hopkins on the Ravens’ offense is shaping a promising foundation for the team’s 2024 campaign. Hopkins’ dual role as a skilled receiver and a mentor, coupled with Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability, enhances the potential of Baltimore’s passing attack and overall offensive execution.

As training camp progresses and the season unfolds, the combination of veteran savvy and youthful talent could provide the Ravens with the versatility and production necessary to compete at a high level. Hopkins’ presence may also accelerate the development of younger players, allowing Jackson more reliable options and more diverse playcalling from Todd Monken.

The partnership between quarterback and receiver, both on and off the field, underscores a strategic evolution for Baltimore’s offense, promising to elevate the team’s competitiveness as the year advances.