NFL poll ranks Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins 3rd-best wide receiver

A poll conducted from a pool of 50 coaches, players, executives and scouts ranked Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins the third-best wide receiver in the NFL.

ESPN’s poll found that only the Falcons’ Julio Jones and Saints Michael Thomas ranked ahead of Hopkins. Hopkins has previously been ranked high as No. 1 and as low as No. 6.

According to ESPN, respondents to the poll particularly praised Hopkins for his hands and ability to come down with contested catches.

“Not the fastest or quickest, but no one can guard him,” one NFL offensive assistant said. “All the coaches I’ve talked to say he’s got the best hands they’ve ever seen.”

A head coach told ESPN Hopkins “no question” had the best hands, and a receivers coach said he has an “off the charts” catch radius and playmaking ability.

Hopkins was certainly a big add when the Cardinals got him earlier this offseason, especially given that Arizona GM Steve Keim managed to get the Houston Texans to take the contract of David Johnson in the process. Johnson, who is has about $20 million due on his deal according to Spotrac, wasn’t even the Cardinals’ lead back last year after Kenyan Drake earned the trust of playcaller Kliff Kingsbury.

The Browns’ Odell Beckham Jr. was right behind Hopkins.

Hopkins was the only receiver from the NFC West that made the top 10 list or honorable mention.

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