What to expect from DeAndre Hopkins in ’14?

Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

This season will be a big year for the progression of Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Entering what will be his second season with the Texans, Hopkins (a first round choice in 2013) had a decent season in his first year in the NFL with 52 receptions for 802 yards and two touchdowns.

With the Texans having turmoil at quarterback last season, I believe that was a big part of the low touchdown numbers for Hopkins. If the Texans can get the QB spot figured out early on this season, that will only help Hopkins.

Another question for Hopkins is will he be the No. 1 or No. 2 receiver for the Texans, a team that finished 2-14 last season.

The confusion of not knowing what the Texans and future Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson are going to do with that situation will play a huge role in what the role of Hopkins will be this season.

Hopkins, who was targeted 93 times his rookie season, had four games where he caught five or more passes, including games of five, seven and six receptions the first three games of his career. He didn’t have his fourth 5-plus reception game until Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals where he had six receptions.

In the final seven games of the Texans last season, Hopkins totaled just 15 receptions, which is a total that must improve this upcoming year.

His lone 100-yard receiving game came in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans where he had seven receptions for 117 yards in what was the last win of the season for Houston.

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The former Clemson wide out has the ability to be a No. 1 receiver, and will start becoming a household name this season.

Hopkins played in all 16 games his rookie season, averaging 15.4 yards per reception, with his longest catch being 66 yards. He fumbled once last season.

I believe Hopkins can have a very good season in ’14 if the Texans can become a bit more, no … a lot more consistent on the offensive side of the ball, especially at QB this season.

For the Texans to be successful Hopkins must have more than 52 receptions this season, and if he does that he will easily hit over the 1,000-yard mark in year No. 2.

This will be the session where Hopkins not only improves his game, but the overall offense of the Texans.