USA TODAY Sports-Dennis Wierzbicki
In the lead-up to the 2015 NFL Draft, some people (myself included) believed that DeVante Parker might end up being the best wide receiver in the draft. The former Louisville star was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the No. 13 pick and was expected to play a significant role in the offense.
#Dolphins 1st round WR DeVante Parker had successful surgery on his foot. He should be good for the season opener, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 5, 2015
The #Dolphins are taking the long-term approach. DeVante Parker is expected to begin training camp on PUP, but focus is on the 2015 opener
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 5, 2015
Parker impressed and drew rave reviews in his first few practices with the team and had a realistic chance of winning a starting job. With this surgery, he’ll definitely miss the rest of the offseason program and likely most of training camp and the preseason.
Missing most of your first offseason is obviously not a great start to a rookie’s NFL career. Even more disconcerting is the fact that Parker missed a large chunk of last year’s college football season with an injury to this same foot.
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The Dolphins had a great offseason on both sides of the ball. On offense, quarterback Ryan Tannehill was given a bevy of new weapons to work with. Wide receivers Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings, and tight end Jordan Cameron were brought over in the offseason, so the Dolphins will still be fine on the outside even without Parker.
Unfortunately for Parker, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, the depth at wide receiver means the Dolphins will be patient with Parker and his recovery, and won’t rush their prized rookie back into action. If the Dolphins are humming along on offense by the time Parker is ready to get back to work, it’ll be difficult for him to work his way back up the depth chart.
Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. ‘Like’ him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.
