How the DeVante Parker trade impacts the 2022 NFL Draft

Image of DeVante Parker

According to multiple reports, the New England Patriots acquired Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker and a 2022 fifth-round pick for a third-round pick in 2023.

It’s a surprising trade for a few reasons. First, we rarely see a trade within the same division. The Patriots and Dolphins are bitter rivals, making it more bizarre that Miami sent New England a talented player to fix one of their biggest weaknesses.

Second, the fact the Dolphins were able to get a third-round pick for Parker is shocking. His best year came in 2019, when he caught 72 passes for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns, but it was his only season of significant production in his seven-year career. Parker is a first-round bust at this point, and at 29 years old, expecting him to suddenly have a breakthrough moment is misguided. I understand wanting to surround your first-round quarterback (Mac Jones) with as many playmakers as possible, and maybe Parker will provide the big-bodied downfield threat New England’s offense is missing. I just wouldn’t bet on it.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

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