5 Rams we can safely call busts after the 2023 season

V: TE Brycen Hopkins

The team has tried to make a go of it with tight end Brycen Hopkins, but for one reason or another, this was simply not a good fit for either side. Hopkins is a circus-catch type of receiver in the tight end position. The team sought a great block who could move the chains with routine catches. Even from a first glance, it was clear that the two ends of the cable would not meet.

Hopkins was the padawan for TE Gerald Everett, the counterpart to a rather unique but effective tandem of tight ends that alternated playing time with Tyler Higbee. When Everett left via free agency, Hopkins never seemed to rise to the occasion. Instead, the Rams offense worked with wide receivers to amplify their ability to block, perhaps the greatest vulnerability to Hopkins earning greater playing time in this offense.

In four seasons, Hopkins caught 13 of 19 passes thrown his way for 196 yards. That is hardly the type of production that screams extension. He did manage to catch all four passes thrown his way in Super Bowl LVI, gaining 47 yards and moving the chains three times.

After four years on the team, he has seen just 330 snaps on offense, and just155 snaps on special teams. At 6-foot-4 and weighing 245 pounds, he has enough experience to warrant signing on with a new team in free agency and competing for playing time in a new offense. But if he does not catch on elsewhere, and earn enough playing to improve his reputation, TE Brycen Hopkins playing days may be numbered.