With Kenny Stills gone, will DeVante Parker finally breakout?

With Kenny Stills shipped to Houston, can Devante Parker finally resurrect a career that started with so much promise?

Ever since Miami made Parker the 14th overall pick in the 2015 draft, the only people more disappointed than the Dolphins might be the fantasy owners who have been annually disappointed by the young wide receiver. However, talent has never been the issue, and there is some reason to be cautiously optimistic about Parker in 2019. Let’s look at three reasons Parker could finally break out this year.

New Coaching Staff

I’m not saying Adam Gase hated DeVante Parker, I’m just saying that if there was only one piece of cake left in the Dolphins’ facility, Gase definitely wouldn’t have shared it with Parker. Just look at this quote that you can find on NFL.com that Parker’s agent made about Adam Gase last October.

"“No I haven’t, but I find the decision to make DeVante inactive today by Coach Gaze incompetent and insulting. It’s also just not true and I am sick of hearing him say my player is not healthy. This is the third game this year that DeVante should have played in when you include the Jets and New England. DeVante is healthy and with injuries and the Dolphins’ 6.1 YPC, DeVante could have and should have been allowed to contribute. What a horrific decision by Coach Gaze and he needs to take a very long look in the mirror and make himself inactive.”"

With new coach Brian Flores in town, Parker can benefit from a fresh start. The departure of Stills opens up 64 targets from last season, and Miami will have no choice but to give Parker as many snaps as he can handle.

Fitzmagic in Miami

When Ryan Fitzpatrick was named the Week 1 starter, every Dolphins’ skill player saw their stock rise. Fitzpatrick has proven that he’s capable of leading a decent NFL offense. The same cannot be said about Josh Rosen. Miami should be trailing in virtually every game they play, so volume shouldn’t be an issue.

Who will ever forget last season when Fitzpatrick threw for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in Week 1? Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin, and O.J. Howard were all able to be fantasy relevant with the Amish Rifle under center, and as much as Miami might want to be a run first team, they simply don’t have the personnel.

Health

To this point in his career, Parker has been about as durable as a wet paper bag. He has dealt with injuries to his quad, hamstring, ankle, and seemingly every other part of his lower body. However, for the first time in a long time, Parker isn’t dealing with any injury concerns. Availability is the best ability, and he looks to be healthy and motivated in 2019.

DeVante Parker is not a player you want to make a real investment in, but the great thing is that you don’t have to. He went undrafted in many leagues, and it’s likely that you could pick him up as a free agent. Someone has to catch the ball in Miami, and Parker is the type of low risk – high reward player who could bring you a fantasy championship this season.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out fansided.com/fantasy for more fantasy football news and analysis!