Given all of the offseason offensive additions, it's fair to say that the Miami Dolphins were a disappointment on that side of the ball this year. The team ranked 26th in yards per game (331.7) and 27th in points (19.4). Despite dealing with an injury to start the season, first-round pick DeVante Parker was expected to help transform Miami's passing game and emerge as a go-to No. 1 target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill (who also failed to live up to expectations). Unfortunately, that didn't quite happen.
Parker was largely a non-factor until very late in the season, too late to help fantasy football owners. However, ESPN's Mike Clay believes he could breakout for the Dolphins in 2016.
"June foot surgery coupled with Miami's deep wide receiver unit almost led to a lost rookie season for Parker, but 2015's 14th overall pick finished the season strong," Clay wrote. "During Weeks 12-17, Parker caught 22 of 37 targets for 445 yards and three touchdowns. He ranked 20th among wide receivers in fantasy points during the span. Busy deep downfield during the stretch, he recorded 1 16.6 average depth of target and averaged 20.1 yards per reception. On the season, he averaged 11.2 yards per target, which was fourth-highest among wide receivers who saw 25 or more targets. Parker is extremely talented, stands at 6-foot-3, 209 pounds and has 4.4 wheels. Durability concerns aside, Parker is a strong bet to operate as Miami's top perimeter target in 2016 and beyond. The soon-to-be 23-year-old is an obvious 2016 breakout candidate and has WR1 upside."
For the season, Parker caught 26 passes for 494 yards and three touchdowns. Obviously, that's not viable fantasy production. But at Louisville, Parker was one of the best deep threats in the nation, catching 43 balls for 855 yards (19.9 avg) and five scores during his senior season. Though he'll never be a guy who approaches 100 receptions like Brandon Marshall or Demaryius Thomas, his propensity for big plays will keep him fantasy relevant assuming good health. At full strength, he should be a more consistent and better version of Mike Wallace.
If you invested a late-round pick into Parker this past season, I'm sorry he didn't do more for you. But don't give up on him just yet.
