2017 Fantasy Football Breakout Candidate: DeVante Parker
WR DeVante Parker | Miami Dolphins | 3rd Year
2016 Stats: 56 receptions, 744 yards, 4 TDs
After a disappointing 2015 rookie season, Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker started his second season with eight catches for 106 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 2. A touchdown catch in Week 3 kept the momentum going, but Parker had three receptions or fewer in eight of his remaining 13 games with more than 50 yards just five times in that span.
As part of his wide-ranging heap of praise on multiple players, Dolphins offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said he expects Parker to have a “gigantic year” in 2017. Head coach Adam Gase openly questioned Parker’s work habits after last season, but maybe a light will go on in his third NFL season.
The Dolphins clearly want and expect more from Parker this year, but should fantasy owners be on the same wavelength?
Parker was second on the team in receptions (56), targets (90) and receiving yards (744) last year, which probably says it all. Kenny Stills was a big play threat (17.3 yards per catch) and a touchdown scorer (a team-high nine), and that is still his likely role after re-signing with Miami in free agency.
Despite having ideal size (6-foot-3) to succeed as a touchdown scorer, Parker has just seven touchdowns and 18 red zone targets in two NFL seasons. Some of that could be blamed on whatever shortcomings quarterback Ryan Tannehill has, but newly acquired tight end Julius Thomas is firmly in the mix for red zone looks now too.
A wide receiver having a breakout third season is still a legit thing, but it’s hard to buy into Parker having it happen for him. He could be third or fourth in the pecking order for targets, and without proven consistency he’s a risky fantasy producer until further notice. In 12-team leagues, Parker stands to be nothing more than a WR4 or WR5.
2017 Projection
55 receptions for 725 yards, 4 touchdowns
Breakout Percentage: 5%
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