DeVante Parker Will Be the Breakout Rookie from the 2015 NFL Draft Class

The 2015 NFL draft kicks off Thursday as coaches and front-office executives search for players like Mike Evans or Sammy Watkins who can make a big splash from the start. Out of this year’s class, DeVante Parker is the star waiting to break out for whichever team decides to pick him on draft day.

Last season proved the impact rookie wide receivers can have on their new team. Odell Beckham Jr. rose to the top of the first-year receiver class by the end of the season to establish himself as the Rookie of the Year by reeling in 91 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Similar to Beckham Jr., Parker most likely will not be the first wide receiver selected Thursday, as most experts consider Amari Cooper the best prospect at the position. However, Parker will make any team he joins better the second he steps on the field.

“After doing my homework, I’m convinced Parker is the best receiver behind Amari Cooper,” said Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. “Although Kevin White might be better in three years and Breshad Perriman has crazy speed, Parker is more pro-ready right now.”

One of the main reasons Parker is considered one of the top receiving prospects is his ability to go up and grab the ball at its highest point.

“Parker does his best work when the ball is in the air,” said Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. “He uses his height and wingspan to consistently snatch anything that comes his way.”

The 6’3”, 209-pound receiver showed his ability to elevate and make the grab against Kentucky.

Parker improved his route running throughout his time in college and showed the explosion off the line necessary to gain separation in the NFL. The Louisville, Kentucky, native displayed his ability to put defensive backs on their heels in the game against North Carolina State.

Parker enters the draft this year after declining his option to turn pro following his junior year to return for one last season at the University of Louisville.

Year	Catches	Yards	Touchdowns	Long
2012	40	744	10	75
2013	55	885	12	54
2014	43	855	5	71

In Parker’s four years, he totaled 156 catches for 2,775 yards and 33 touchdowns. However, the first-round talent’s decision to delay his draft eligibility came at a price.

Parker missed the first seven games of Louisville’s season after suffering an injury, which required surgery, to his left foot in practice.

Once Parker returned, the 22-year-old racked up more than 100 yards in five of the six remaining games, including a 214-yard performance against Florida State.

Averaging over 19 yards per catch, he looked healthy and determined upon his return. The prospect commented on his change in mentality when he visited the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Despite the injury, toughness was never an issue for Parker, as he runs with power and speed with the ball. He provides teams the option to stretch the field with the long pass, or they can toss him the ball short and let him work for the first down.

Louisville utilized Parker’s ability to gain yards out of nothing against Georgia in the Belk Bowl.

"

“@AdamHimmelsbach: DeVante Parker on 3rd and 20: https://t.co/S9pLk7RQ6n” please god match vante and teddy up #VIKINGS

— Garrett Rohleder (@GarrettRohleder) December 31, 2014"

Preparing for the draft, Parker continued his rehab and performed strong at the NFL combine. The Louisville product ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and jumped 36.5 inches in the vertical.

As the first picks begin to roll in Thursday, Parker will wait in anticipation, as he projects to be a top-20 pick. 

In the NFL.com mock draft, Mike Mayock and Charley Casserly expect the Minnesota Vikings to reunite Parker with his old quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, by selecting him 11th overall. Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis predict the wide receiver to drop one more spot to the Cleveland Browns before finding his team.

No matter where Parker ends up, he possesses the talent to make an impact Week 1 in the NFL.