Overview
An off-ball linebacker with length, speed and agility, Hopper is lacking in field vision and instincts. He can be a step late to diagnose play design and has moments where he looks lost in coverage. Hopper has sideline-to-sideline range and plenty of physicality to hit what needs to be hit. There are holes in his game that can be exploited, but he has traits and should get a chance as an NFL backup with special teams value.
Strengths
- Long-limbed with above-average explosiveness.
- Speed to trigger downhill and disrupt play design.
- Can attack linemen with force or punch and play around them.
- Flies in to make plays as a striker.
- Agility and twitch to bounce late and find cutting running backs.
- Can work past blitz pickup and threaten the pocket.
Weaknesses
- Plays through a straw with limited field vision.
- Slow to key play development and stay ahead of blockers.
- Lacks decisiveness and takes substandard angles to the ball.
- Hard hitter but needs to improve tackle security.
- Looked lost at times with coverage responsibilities.
