Miami Dolphins

Louisville Football: Why is DeVante Parker losing production in Miami?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

We take a look at how the addition of Kenny Still has impacted former Louisville football player DeVante Parker’s production with the Dolphins this season.

DeVante Parker dominated while playing for the Louisville football team, but he is still looking for that same level of eliteness in the National Football League. In general, it can take receivers a few years to transition from the college game to the NFL game. Offense’s are much more complex, defenders are faster, and the game speed is off-the-charts.

To top it all off, Parker has been dealing with injuries his first two seasons in the NFL. He missed a major part of the 2015 season and one game already this year. Hopefully, a clean bill of health will help Parker take the next step forward.

In his absence, Kenny Stills, a former Oklahoma Sooner has been the vertical threat for the Miami Dolphins. After playing with Drew Brees in New Orleans, Stills has all the tools to be one of Miami’s best receivers and that doesn’t bold well for Parker if he cannot stay healthy.

Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Margus Hunt (99) tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (11) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Miami 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

In only four games this year, Stills has been producing as the vertical threat for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. On only 9 receptions, Still has accrued 205 yards and two touchdowns for Miami. It looks as though he is going to destroy his 2015 season totals of 440 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

So, what does this mean for DeVante Parker?

Well, he needs to find a way to stay on the football field. Miami’s offense is slowly evolving and if Parker isn’t healthy enough to play, he will be left behind. The NFL takes no prisoners and it’s all about what that player can contribute going forward.

The good news is that Miami isn’t going to let their former 1st round draft pick’s career go down the drain without multiple chances. When he has been on the field, Parker has been incredible. He has great hands and a great vertical that has translated perfectly into the NFL game.

Again, the biggest key is that he needs to stay healthy. The more he is on the field, the better his connection will be with Tannehill and the better the Dolphins’ offense will play.