What role will DeVante Parker have with the 2021 Dolphins?
The Miami Dolphins are sure to grab at least one receiver in this draft to add to their already overcrowded group of pass-catchers. Now, having a load of bodies is one thing, having a load of talent is another. So, even before the draft rolls around, how much talent do the Phins have on their pass-catching group already? Miami did sign Will Fuller in Free Agency who was the 9th best receiver in 2021. Still, what’s on the roster besides him? Then there is the elephant in the room: Where does DeVante Parker fit in all of this?
The Phins have a ton of receivers … and will add more
DeVante Parker was a lightning rod for criticism since he’s entered the league, but, after an excellent 2019 Season, Parker was justly given a sizable contract extension. After his production slipped in 2020, many fans again saw Parker as a pariah. How To Find The Best Sports Betting Software.
Man, the bloom falls off quickly in sports.
Parker is entering the third year of a 5-year deal with a $12million cap hit for his services in 2021, so no way will or should he be cut. A pre & post-June trade would create $8mill /$4mill and $3mill / $9mill dead money hit and cap savings, respectively. From a financial standpoint, this would be the only viable option. Still, from a talent and production standpoint, this wouldn’t make any sense either unless the Phins get a very good return.
Parker is a very talented & impact receiver
Yes, despite the misguided narrative, Parker is a very good receiver. Phins fans have been frustrated with Parker since his start and Phins News was some of the most vocal about his immaturity. Still, Parker can create game-changing plays downfield on a regular basis and is a special type of weapon. Now, this doesn’t mean he doesn’t struggle to stay healthy, or he as good a fit with Tua as he was with Fitzpatrick. The truth is he may not be a right fit now… that remains to be seen though. Tips on Finding the Best Sports Betting Software.
Unfortunately, in 2020 Parker didn’t mesh in with Tua’s skillset.
Parker is at his best when a quarterback throws him open downfield where he can use his huge catch radius and ability to high-point the football. This is why he was so successful with Fitzpatrick because the ‘magic’ was very aggressive and a daring passer. The two worked very well together because both skillsets mixed perfectly. Remember in 2019, Parker had an excellent season with 1200 yards, 9 TDs, and a 16.7 YPC.
This was 5th best in 2019 and would have been Top 10 this season as well!
What happened to Parker in 2020?
The drop in production by Parker in 2020 was the result of a few factors.
- Nagging injuries returned–forcing him to miss two games and limiting him in a few others
- Opposing defenses focused on him more after his breakout 2019 Season
- Tua was a green rookie unfamiliar with Parker, who had a far more conservative philosophy than Fitzpatrick
This isn’t a knock on Tua, who was a rookie and obviously still not fully recovered from his devastating hip injury. The reality is a receiver and quarterback is a marriage of sorts: sometimes two good people just can’t get along. Fans must remember this in regards to both Parker and Tua.
Parker is a 6’3”, big-bodied vertical threat who thrives when he attacks a contested ball downfield. Tua is a medium to a short distance thrower, who prefers to take care of the ball rather than risk a turnover. You can bet with the Best Football Betting Software that both styles can win in the NFL…
…. Although, they might not be compatible together though.
Tua is the King of Miami, Parker the Bishop
Thankfully, Tua has had a whole offseason to train without limitations, reflect on his rookie season, and grow like all rookies do from Year 1 to Year 2. And Parker also can help build chemistry with the young quarterback. This could be just what the doctor ordered to get both players on the same page, so they both can thrive in the 2021 Season.
Bottom line: Tua is the centerpiece of the future and Parker is a side dish. Given how deep this receiver group is, especially after this coming draft, if Parker doesn’t find that chemistry with Tua, he could very well get shipped out. Given Parker’s talent, at least Miami will come aways with some goodies, though. Go Phins!!! Best online casino software providers.