FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts. The New England Patriots earned a DeVante Parker large receiver and a 2023 fifth-round draft decide from the Miami Dolphins in alternate for a 2023 third-round decide, a transfer that has vital emaciated affect throughout a number of areas.
WR depth chart: Parker joins one of many high 4 spots seen on the depth chart alongside Jacoby Myers, Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agulor. This doubtless means the top of the street for the 2019 first spherical collection of N’Keal Harry, who has already struggled to interrupt via and now faces elevated competitors. On the similar time, that does not cease the Patriots from selecting a receiver within the draft, particularly provided that Myers and Agolor are scheduled for unrestricted free company after the 2023 season. In idea, including Parker would take instant stress off any novice future and supply insurance coverage /cushion if the group sees worth in utilizing the twenty first general decide for a participant like Alabama’s Jameson Williams, who’s recovering from a rupture within the AFC Champions League and will open the 12 months to the listing of bodily unable to carry out/non-football accidents.
Parker’s model of play: At 6-foot-3, 219 kilos, Parker gives the Patriots with one thing they did not have (partially as a result of Harry by no means got here out): a much bigger goal who may use his measurement to win in contested conditions. Parker’s efficiency within the 2019 Closing in opposition to the Patriots and high again Stefon Gilmore was an instance of what he could be when he is wholesome and at his finest (eight catches for 137 yards). Pair that with Agholor’s velocity (6-0, 198), Meyers versatility/reliability (6-2, 200) and Bourne’s inside blast (6-1, 190), that are the highest 4 who do not. It has a well-meaning star however options numerous contributors who can create issues for defenses.
Knock on Parker: If he’s wholesome. These are the highest three phrases in the case of Parker, 29, who has struggled with occasional hamstring issues throughout his profession. He solely performed each sport of the season as soon as. By way of integrating into the Patriots tradition, one NFL govt has no issues. “Quiet, good man, hardworking employee, good fellow,” mentioned the CEO.
Draft choices: The Patriots now have eight picks getting into the 2023 draft — one in every of the primary 4 rounds, fifty and two sixths. That is vital because the group went into the low season with simply six individuals, and has since added picks from the fifth spherical by coping with right-back Chuck Mason and on this deal for Parker. Coach Invoice Belichick usually likes to have extra choices, which permits for extra flexibility in enterprise. Coping with a 3rd participant in 2023 could also be seen as rich, however the membership is anticipating a compensating third participant subsequent 12 months after shedding cornerback JC Jackson to free company final month. Proprietor Robert Kraft has expressed the significance of the draft to the group after some lean years on this regard from 2016 to 2020.
Domino wage cap: The acquisition of Parker and the remaining two years of his contract — $5.65 million in 2023 and $5.7 million in 2023 — ought to pressure the group to make room to soak up him. The Patriots had $4.19 million in most entry area for the weekend. Whereas not a given, it doubtless displays that the Patriot’s main personnel strikes are over as focus shifts intently to the draft.
