Devante Parker: Browns Draft Profile
By Cole McKee
The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns 2015 NFL Draft seems ready to be a very interesting one for the team. With 10 picks, including two in the first round, the Browns are ready to make noise again for the second year in a row.
Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud. Last year the Browns draft included a big trade down and the drafting of Johnny Manziel. While the first round hasn’t panned out yet, the rest of the draft seems to be great. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.
After free agency we wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns tried to trade their picks to move up, to get another veteran or went with best player available instead of drafting for need. Farmer did this last year when he drafted Joel Bitonio, Terrance West, Christian Kirksey and others instead of drafting a wide receiver. We could see that again.
In preparation for such we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for the NFL Draft.
Name
Position
Wide Receiver
Weight/Height
210 LBS, 6’3’’
School
Louisville Cardinals
Stats
N/A
NFL Player Comparison
DeVante Parker and Hakeem Nicks are both great receivers, have average height, a long, lanky build, and both have trademark soft hands. Although neither one possesses top notch 4.3 speed, they are both able to make explosive players from any position on the field. They both use their height and formidable wing span to make impressive catches even when under tight coverage. They are both decent run blockers, and have he ability to make phenomenal catches in the flat or across the middle.
2015 NFL Draft Range
10-30 Range 1st Round – The 2015 draft may not have quite the star power as last year’s draft when it comes to receivers, but there are some gems available, with Parker near the top of the list. Parker showed he could come back from injury, this year, missing the first seven games of the season due to a nagging foot injury. He then came back to score five touchdowns and amass 855 yards in six games. His junior year with Teddy Bridgewater, he led the team with 12 touchdowns, starting all 12 games for the Cardinals. Parker is a consistent receiver with an above average build and a reputation for soft hands. Parker is 6’3’’ 210 LBS.
Fit with the Browns
- Deep threat – Parker is known for his great hands and concentration, allowing him to beat safeties and extend the play. Parker has a knack for shedding coverage, and consistently gets open. Parker tucks the ball reasonably well, and can fight off defenders on the ground.
- Short/Middle field – Parker can easily beat linebackers on short cross routes, and his ability to snatch the ball and secure it quickly are key for the Browns. Parker also has a tremendous ability for extending play (Senior season’s Yards Per Carry: almost 20). His ability to create space and earn extra yards would prove invaluable should Manziel/Josh McCown need to be bailed out.
- Run Block – This is a weakness for Parker. He can decently get explosion off the line and over power some corners, but a run of the mill linebacker makes short work of the 210 LBS receiver. Not a huge red flag, but this aspect of his play could definitely use some work, should the Browns elect to draft him.
Browns Player Selection Could Impact
With Josh Gordon not catching balls for the Browns next season, the No.1 spot for Browns receivers is wide open. With Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin, Taylor Gabriel, and Travis Benjamin combining for an abysmal 8 touchdowns for the regular season, it is blaringly obvious the receiving corps needs an injection of fresh blood. With a new QB in McCown, Parker could play a crucial role in the development of the new Browns offense, hopefully as Josh Gordon’s replacement as the team’s star pass catcher. With the additions of KC vet Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, Parker may be redirected to the No. 2 spot, as Bowe helps to mentor the young rookie.
How Selection Could Be Impacted By Free Agency
With the Browns signing the venerable free agent Dwayne Bowe from the Kansas City Chiefs, they may decide to use the first round pick on addressing the needs of the talented but aging offensive line. However, Parker could be a productive No. 2 receiver alongside Dwayne Bowe. Bowe could also act as a potential mentor for Parker, easing his transition from the college game to the NFL.
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Priority
High-Medium – The Browns have traditionally been a running team, and that hasn’t worked out too well. With the Joe Thomas getting on in years, perhaps a change is in order. With the QB situation in mild chaos once again, having a solid receiving corps could go a long way in alleviating the Browns offensive woes come next season. The signing of the veteran Dwayne Bowe marks a pivotal first step in establishing the receiving corps. The addition of the versatile Devante Parker seems like a great decision, looking towards the future for the Browns.