New England Patriots: DeVante Parker the ‘vertical’ threat MJ10 needs

DeVante Parker wants to be the answer at wide receiver for the New England Patriots.

While the team may still draft a receiver or two in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft or sign free agent Odell Beckham Jr. or even pull off an NFL shocker and trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, they at least have a stud in Parker who can be good if he stays healthy.

More importantly, he is a player who is focused on becoming the “down-the-field” threat the Patriots have been looking for…at least that is what he is saying.

In joining his AFC East rivals following a trade between the Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Parker is familiar with his new team and knows what he can bring to the table.

"“Getting vertical down the field.  Just doing whatever I can to help the team win,” Parker said during a Zoom call with the media.  “Just bring that down-the-field guy.  Whatever I can do to help the team out.  High-pointing, whatever it is.  Just staying on the field.”"

DeVante Parker a key addition for the New England Patriots if he stays healthy

Obviously, health is key for Parker having a successful season.  In 2019, he hauled in 72 catches for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games.  Ironically, former New England Patriots wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea was the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, which means Parker is familiar with the type of offense the Patriots play.  That factor should enable the veteran wide receiver to ease in quicker than most.

Though it’s no longer Tom Brady behind center with the Patriots, Parker’s motivation to play in New England seems to center around second-year quarterback Mac Jones who Parker has already worked out with in the offseason.  That time together has the new offensive weapon enthusiastic about the young quarterback and what’s to come on the field.

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"“The workouts were great.  My impressions of Mac, he’s got a nice arm on him.  He was zipping it,” Parker said of Mac Jones.  “It was just a great workout for all of us.  It’s just good for me to come down and start throwing with them early, as soon as I can, get the timing down.“Mac’s a good quarterback.  Just the way. He throws the ball, it’s not like tough.  He throws a catchable ball.  It’s something that I’m looking forward to during the season.”"

Fans should be looking forward to seeing what Parker does in a New England Patriots uniform after watching him torch the team in a Dolphins’ uniform over the years.  Still in his prime, DeVante Parker has the size and speed to be very effective catching the ball from Mac Jones.

While he may not be the sexy No. 1 receiver everyone wants, the hard work he says he will put in will make him the type of receiver that flourishes in New England.

Again, health will have a lot to say about that, but it will also come down to the chemistry he forms with Mac Jones.  If that clicks, watch out.