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.

The DeVante Parker trade will have a direct impact on the 2022 NFL Draft

The Patriots were among the handful of teams expected to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft before the DeVante Parker trade. Now, it’s unlikely they’ll draft a pass-catcher until day three.

New England currently owns the 21st overall pick. They’ve been a popular spot for Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave in 2022 mock drafts. And while it isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility that the Patriots will draft a wide receiver in round one, it certainly seems less likely. However, adding Parker and Olave in one offseason is the kind of commitment to a young quarterback that all teams should consider making.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, are loaded with picks for the 2023 NFL draft. Having five picks in the first three rounds gives them plenty of ammunition to trade up this April if they so choose.

The 2022 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m EST and runs through Saturday, April 30.

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.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL