In his second season since being drafted in the first round, Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins' development seems to have taken a major step. The sure-handed leaping catches he made so often in college are becoming a staple of training camp.

Hopkins' issues last season weren't based so much on ability as they were on precision. He seems on the right track this season. Andre Johnson said it's clear Hopkins is playing with a lot of confidence, something that's critical for a receiver. What's even better is that his chemistry with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is improving regularly.

Hopkins finished as the #50 WR in 2013, posting 52 catches for 802 yards and two touchdowns, a solid season for a rookie wideout playing along an established veteran like Andre Johnson. He should continue to progress in his second season, but is dealing with a new offense and a new QB, so there are no guarantees.

Texans WR Andre Johnson's offseason absence gives DeAndre Hopkins an advantage. The Sideline View's Lance Zierlein confirmed to Around The League that Fitzpatrick and rookie Tom Savage are already developing a strong rapport with the second-year wideout.

HC Bill O'Brien's offense should also provide a boost. Hopkins drew just two more targets than tight end Garrett Graham with Gary Kubiak calling the plays. Dialing up more slants, bubble screens and crossing routes will help. His leaping ability was also underutilized, as Kubiak has long been one of the NFL's most conservative coaches in the red zone.

Hopkins doesn't have the extraordinary physical gifts of Johnson, but the talent is there to post several seasons as a top 15 NFL wideout. Taking over the Titans game suggests No. 1 receiver potential should Johnson force his way out of Houston.

Even if Johnson returns by September, Hopkins should have little trouble flirting with 1,000 yards and a half-dozen touchdowns. After all, he was on pace for 80 catches and 1,080 yards after the first four games of his career.

Hopkins finished as the #50 WR in 2013, posting 52 catches for 802 yards and two touchdowns, a solid season for a rookie wideout playing along an established veteran like Andre Johnson. Provided he develops a strong rapport with Fitzpatrick, he should progress in O'Brien's offense.

With no Andre Johnson at OTAs right now, DeAndre Hopkins and the wide receivers will be getting even more reps during practice. Hopkins hopes to use the opportunities he has this offseason to improve different aspects of his game, especially his route running.

“I’m nowhere close to where I want to be," Hopkins said on Wednesday. "Not even close. I have a lot of things I need to work on and I’m doing that this offseason."

With a new coaching staff, new system, and new group of quarterbacks, it feels like last year, learning a whole new scheme all over again under head coach Bill O’Brien.

“It’s not been easy; I’m not going to lie,” Hopkins said. “It’s a new playbook, you have to refocus, you have to do everything you did your rookie year all over again, but I feel like I know how to prepare better than last year, just going out and learning from Andre (Johnson) and doing things like that, and I feel like I’m becoming a better player overall.”

“He’s a hard worker,” O’Brien said. “He’s a young player. This is a brand new system for him so it’s difficult because he had a rookie year, now he’s having to learn a new system. I think he’s working really hard. He takes the coaching well. He’s a big guy. He’s a physical player. He’s learning a new way of doing things relative to our offense and I think he comes out there and tries to get better every day.”

Hopkins finished as the #50 WR in 2013, posting 52 catches for 802 yards and two touchdowns, a solid season for a rookie wideout playing along an established veteran like Andre Johnson. Hopkins would be better off if he didn't have to learn a new offense this summer, but he may see a ton of targets if Johnson doesn't eventually report to camp.

Four quarterbacks have a chance to be the Texans’ Week 1 starter.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, T.J. Yates and rookie Tom Savage participated during the first day of OTAs Tuesday at the Texans’ indoor practice facility near NRG Stadium.

First-year coach Bill O’Brien said the team will eventually make a decision about its quarterback situation, which will affect repetitions during training camp. But as of Tuesday, the race for the starter spot remains “wide open.”

We expect Fitzpatrick to win this job, but it's something to monitor, especially for Andre Johnson or DeAndre Hopkins owners.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Hopkins should be fine to face the Titans.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday. Hopkins should be fine to face the Titans.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle, probable) took full practice reps Friday and is probable for Week 16. He’s a decent desperation start against the Broncos.