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Purdue TE Brycen Hopkins is a 4th-round pick, becomes highest-drafted Boilermaker in 7 years
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For the first time since 2013, Purdue has produced a player who was selected higher than the fifth round in the NFL Draft.
Tight end Brycen Hopkins was taken in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 136 overall pick. He’s the highest-drafted player out of Purdue since 2013, when defensive lineman Kawaan Short was taken in the second round.
Hopkins entered the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the top tight ends in this year’s class. He made the top 10 at his position in Mel Kiper Jr.’s top 300 and was projected to get drafted between the third and fifth rounds this year.
Despite being a low-ranking prospect out of high school, Hopkins flourished in Jeff Brohm’s offense in West Lafayette. He was Purdue’s second-leading receiver in 2019, totaling 830 yards and seven touchdowns on 61 catches. Hopkins finished his career with the Boilermakers with 1,945 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
Hopkins is also the first Purdue player to be selected in the NFL Draft since 2018. Last year, no Boilermakers were picked.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB