Hindsight is 20/20, but I wanted to see what other people thought: Patterson was drafted two slots after we selected Deandre Hopkins in the 2013 draft. I love Hopkins game. He has amazing hands...some of the best I've ever seen from a Texan. But does anyone think we screw this up? Patterson is a beast, man. If you watch him run, he's a true game-changer. Defenses have to scheme around him, and I'm not sold that defenses have to plan around Hopkins. Patterson has by far more raw athletic ability, but obviously more than that goes into being a WR. So--in hindsight, should we have drafted Patterson? I'm happy with Hopkins, but I think Patterson on this offense would be sick.
You said it yourself; Patterson was and is still raw as a WR. I'm guessing Gary prioritized someone who could start and contribute right away.
Patterson is a star in the making but right now he is a boom or bust week to week basis. He has all the measurables to be a top receiver in the league. Still very raw but the upside is tremendous. Sucks that teams will focus on Patterson now that MIN won't have Peterson. Hopkins on the other hand will be a reliable and consistent receiver ala Boldin/Roddy White. Only time will tell but it's upside vs consistency.
Patterson has the better raw tools, but Hopkins is the more complete receiver, at this point, at least. Production wise, Hopkins has owner Patterson so far. Highlight reel wise, its been Patterson. I'm happy with Hopkins, although I'd take either.
Patterson cant catch or run routes. Hopkins can. I'd take Hopkins right now over a gadget player. But if we had Manning, Brees, Brady or Rodgers I'm taking Patterson.
Patterson will go absolutely insane if he gets a competent QB. Hopkins is more polished, but Patterson has much more star potential.
Hopkins is a much better receiver. Patterson is better on those bubble screens, returns, and reverse gimmick type plays. Patterson is Josh Cribbs.
If touchdowns count as production _ Patterson has Nuk beat hands down. The kids has a nose for the end zone. Nuk is more polished but being polished is something Patterson can become... But Nuk will never have the talent that Patterson has. You're talking about a guy who can play WR, RB, and one of the best return men in the league.
Hopkins slowly getting ready to surpass Andre at this point in their careers. Hopkins reminds me of a young Roddy White
Strongly disagree there. Statistically? Sure. But this reminds me of Floyd/Fitzgerald in Arizona. Put AJ or Fitzgerald in NE alongside their WR2 counterparts. I'm positive the HOF candidates still outperform the young guys by a wide margin.
Hopkins is just a much more physically gifted, natural WR than Patterson. Patterson might as well be a RB at this point. Bridgewater didn't even look at him.