Cards in the Pros: DeVante Parker Looks to Finally Break Through

After three seasons plagued by injuries, former Louisville Cardinal DeVante Parker may finally have a chance to break through in 2018.

It has been a long road for Devante Parker.

The former Louisville superstar, and current Miami Dolphin is hoping that his patience is finally paying off in his fourth NFL season, after being hobbled by a myriad of injuries dating back to his days at UofL.

Parker missed his first three games of the preseason of his rookie year due to a re-occurring foot injury. Once he returned to health, he made an immediate impact for the Dolphins, but injured his foot again. This put him out for two games, and dropped him down in the rotation.

In 2016, he was unhealthy in the preseason again. He missed a few preseason games, and sat out the season opener with a hamstring pull. Again, he played and was effective. He had his most productive season in 2016, developing a connection with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but was again hobbled- this time by a back injury- and his production fell off.

Going into 2017, it was the same narrative. The Dolphins were expected to be a playoff team. They returned breakout star Jay Ajayi, Tannehill was returning from injury, and Parker was expected to emerge alongside a solid group of receivers. However, Tanehill tore his ACL in the middle of training camp putting him out for the season.

Jay Cutler brought his inconsistent passing game out of retirement, and was a clear step down from Tanehill. Meanwhile, Parker sprained his ankle in the 5th game of the season, and missed the next three games. Ajayi could never get his game going, scoring zero touchdowns through the first half of the season, and was traded to away to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Eagles. What began as a promising 2017 for Parker and company turned into a 6-10 year plagued by injury.

There is an anxiety surrounding Parker going into 2018. A former first round draft choice, and freak athlete coming out of college, Parker was expected to be the go-to guy for the Dolphins by his fourth year. His production has been average at best, though.

Injuries are a concern as well. Parker missed 7 games in his senior season at Louisville. He returned for the last 6 games, and had an electric year, but he has not stayed healthy since. Parker has to prove that he can stay healthy, or the Dolphins are almost certain to waive the 5th year of his contract, leaving him to move elsewhere. There is a bit of a hesitancy in his game. Part of what makes him so great, and so frustrating his his effort. Things come so easy and so fluidly for Parker that it appears that he gives up on plays, or doesn’t make plays that he routinely should.

It’s put-up or shut up time now for Parker in his fourth year. His quarterback is back healthy. Veteran Frank Gore shores up a backfield with Kenyan Drake, rookie Kalen Ballage, and former Cardinal Brandon Radcliffe.

Parker will start alongside newly acquired Danny Amendola, who will likely draw the attention of some defenses away from Parker and returner Kenny Stills.

If Parker can remain healthy, his upside is huge. All of the pieces are there. Tannehill loves going to Parker early and often, but it’s now or never for the former Card.

Prediction: I think IF Parker stays healthy, he is a break-out star this season. He can do things only a small handful of guys in the league are capable of. He is just naturally bigger and stronger than most corners, and if he gets a little space, his real strength is his ability to run after the catch. His connection with Tannehill is excellent, and he is surrounded by a talented line and group of skill players.

His health is a big “if” though, as he has sat out at least one game due to injury dating back to his junior year of college in 2013. That is the x-factor. If Parker goes injury free, look for him to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark in 2018.