New England Patriots receiver DeVante Parker is entering his ninth NFL season, but has yet to emerge as the type of player worthy of being the No. 14 overall pick, like he was in 2014, courtesy of the Miami Dolphins.
Parker, 30, is entering his second season with the Pats and hopes to build off his 539-yard season.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano wouldn't be surprised if Parker experiences a renaissance and career year this season.
Parker, a first-round pick by Miami in 2015, is having an outstanding summer as the Patriots' top wide receiver and could be poised for a great year in Bill O'Brien's offense," ESPN writes. "Now, yes, I'm well aware that we've heard this kind of stuff before on Parker. Somewhat amazingly, he's headed into his ninth NFL season. In only one of the previous eight has he managed to stay healthy enough to play every game. He has always seemed to have the ability to be a No. 1 wide receiver, but he has never really sustained that level of performance."
With an injury to second-year pro Tyquan Thornton, Parker has the chance to keep the No. 2 receiver job behind JuJu Smith-Schuster.
There will also be opportunities for rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte to make an impact, but early in the season, Mac Jones will likely turn to Parker early and often.
Parker is set to make his season debut when the Patriots host the Philadelphia Eagles at home. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, September 10 at Gillette Stadium.
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