Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: The three biggest winners from Miami’s off-season

By Bradley Mauger

ORCHARD PARK, NY - JANUARY 03: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - JANUARY 03: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins catches a touchdown pass against Levi Wallace #39 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins catches a touchdown pass against Levi Wallace #39 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker finally gets some real help.

I’m staying away from the obvious pick here in Tua Tagovailoa. It’s clear that with the added weapons and beefed-up offensive line that Tua is expected to make some major strides this season. Reports are that he’s doing his due diligence this offseason. In an interview with Peter King of NBC Sports, Flores said, “He’s been working. All signs point to—or I would say based on my experience—he’s doing everything necessary to make some improvements.”

DeVante Parker’s stock took a hit in 2020. After a breakout season in 2019 with 1,202 yards and 9 TDs, fans were expecting a strong follow-up. His production fell to 793 yards and 4 scores. Inconsistent QB play is partly to blame here. The lofty 2019 numbers were also somewhat a product of Miami constantly playing from behind and passing in garbage time.

In the modern game, pure possession receivers are becoming less and less prevalent as true #1 options. Looking down NFL rosters there are only two that stand out: DeAndre Hopkins and Allen Robinson. This isn’t to say that the breed is dead, or that they don’t serve a purpose. Mike Evans, Corey Davis and Tee Higgins all eclipsed 900 yards last season, but as #2 options. This is the role I envision for Parker in 2021.

Parker spent the second half of last season playing opposite of Mack Hollins. Opposing defenses weren’t exactly afraid of Hollins beating them over the top…or underneath, or intermediate, or anywhere really. Defenses could afford to bracket Parker or play another defender in the box. With the added speed of Waddle and Fuller this season, defenses can’t play as much single-high safety for fear of getting burned. This plays right into Parker’s wheelhouse. He can beat #2 corners in man-coverage on comeback and fade routes all game long. Look for him to get back closer to the level we saw in 2019.

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