NFL

2015 NFL Draft: Evaluating DeVante Parker’s Stock After Week 14

Fresh Videos

By

Devante Parker Louisville 2015 NFL Draft

Getty Images

After a broken bone in his foot kept him out of the first seven games of the 2014 season, University of Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker hasn’t skipped a beat in his return. Parker leads Louisville in receiving despite only suiting up for five contests and has proven to be one of the top receivers in the nation.

After a great three years at Louisville alongside 2014 first-round draft pick Teddy Bridgewater, many predicted Parker would enter the NFL draft with his signal caller. Parker elected to return to Louisville for his senior year and has been extremely consistent despite playing with three different quarterbacks. His 735 receiving yards and six touchdowns in just five games prove Parker is a top talent even without an elite passer under center.

In week 14, Parker dominated in-state rival Kentucky with third-string redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Bolin throwing him the ball after Reggie Bonnafon, a true freshman, left the game with an injury. Parker turned in his best performance of the year, bringing in six passes for 180 yards and a trio of touchdowns to lead Louisville over their SEC foe in a shootout.

Parker once again displayed his outstanding ability to place his 6-foot-3 and 210-pound frame between the defender and the quarterback to position himself in the optimal location to catch the ball. He also showcased his fantastic body control, which he used to keep his balance to record yardage after the catch. His elite leaping ability makes him the perfect option both down-field and in the red zone, where he has the skills to beat most defensive backs in a jump ball situation.

Parker has deceptive speed, but his long strides hold him back from achieving top-end acceleration off the line. He needs to develop his rout-running abilities—specifically in his cuts, which could be sharper.

The Louisville product is a first-round talent that will likely be the second receiver to hear his name called, probably behind Alabama’s Amari Cooper. Parker will come off the board near the top half of the first round and has the potential to develop into a number-one option in the NFL.

Brenden McLaughlin is a Baltimore Ravens writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @b_maction or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on