2015 NFL Draft: Redskins Draft Board 6 – 10
By Chris West
Dec 5, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker (9) makes a catch and runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
DeVante Parker, WR
College team: Louisville
Size: 6′ 3″, 209 lbs
Speed: 40yd-4.45, 10yd-1.51
Measurements: Arms-33 and 1/4″, Hands-9 and 1/4″
DeVante Parker had foot surgery before the 2014 season and missed seven games. He came back to Louisville for his senior season to prove that he can excel after losing his QB, Teddy Bridgewater, to the NFL. Parker started 4 games at the end of the season and had 43 receptions for 855 yards and five TDs.
In the previous two seasons with Bridgewater as his QB, Parker caught 95 passes for 1599 yards and 22 touchdowns. Parker will probably be the third receiver chosen in the draft. If not for his foot injury, he may have been in the top two chosen.
Parker is a smooth receiver with excellent body control
Strengths:
Parker is a very smooth receiver with excellent body control. He has great hands and secures the ball well. Parker is also a good route runner who frames the ball to make catches look effortless.
Parker has shown significant improvement each season and will continue that into the NFL. He has a great receiver body with the size to go up and get the football. Parker runs very well with the football after the catch.
Weaknesses:
Parker needs to get stronger to be effective long-term in the NFL. He has had multiple injuries that could have teams concerned about him making it through a 16 game NFL season.
Parker’s blocking needs to improve. He has trouble maintaining blocks and they will be harder to complete in the NFL. Parker also needs to keep from pushing off against defenders with his long arms extended.
Parker would fit right in as the Redskins #3 WR and starter in the slot
Redskins fit:
Parker would fit right in as the Redskins #3 WR and starter in the slot. He will be able to play all receiver positions well when he learns the playbook. He, like White and Cooper, would make either Garcon or Jackson expendable by 2016.
Parker would probably fit the Redskins best out of the top three receivers in the draft. He has the size they seek in a red zone target and has been a very consistent touchdown scorer at Louisville. Parker’s versatility would allow the Redskins to play him where needed.
Coming soon: Redskins draft prospects 11-15.