Despite the Baltimore Ravens' poor start in 2025, several impact performers are flying under the radar. There is still plenty of talent all over the field, and one of those players playing their part this year is veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Despite significant offensive line struggles, the Ravens’ passing offense has been one of the lone bright spots through five weeks. Lamar Jackson was efficient through the air prior to his hamstring injury, Zay Flowers is having a career year, and Hopkins is proving he is not washed.
However, in Hopkins’ case, he is being severely underutilized, and it is a game plan issue that Baltimore must fix if they want any chance at bouncing back after their disastrous 1-4 start.
DeAndre Hopkins needs more snaps
Hopkins has been one of the better wideouts in the NFL thus far. He has registered a 93.1 offensive grade, per Pro Football Focus, but is doing so in limited snaps. He has been on the field for just 71 snaps this season, and 55 passing plays. In those opportunities, he has tallied seven receptions for 158 yards and two touchdowns.
Hopkins can be a tremendous big-play threat for Jackson, and whoever starts at quarterback for Baltimore in the coming weeks, but his snap share has yet to increase. His season-high in snaps is 18, and he is coming off a Week 5 game where he only saw 11 snaps, even though he hauled in two passes for 46 yards.
The 33-year-old has been on the field less than Tylan Wallace (102 snaps), who is not making a consistent impact. Hopkins has been a larger factor in the Ravens’ air attack, but Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken continues to struggle to find a spot on the field for him entering Week 6.
Of course, Baltimore will likely continue to shift more focus to their running game if Jackson is out for another game or two, but Hopkins is that bigger-bodied receiver who can be a quarterback’s best friend. He proved to be a reliable target for Cooper Rush against the Houston Texans and still possesses some of the best hands in the league.
Whether it is Jackson, Rush, or even Tyler Huntley starting in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams, Hopkins must be on the field more. He adds another dimension to an already talented Baltimore passing offense, and if not utilized more on Sunday, Monken’s play calling will continue to be questioned.