The Miami Dolphins drafted DeVante Parker in the first-round of the NFL Draft with the idea that he would run tandem with Jarvis Landry and form the next-best wide receiving duo for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Early returns were positive on Parker who looked strong in rookie mini camp and OTAs until an injury officially took him off the field. After undergoing surgery, Parker's agent stresses that that wide receiver will be just fine.
Parker underwent the same surgery Julio Jones with the Atlanta Falcons had two years where he had a screw inserted in his foot during a previous operation that needed to be replaced and now the receiver is expected to miss all of training camp and potentially some of the regular season. However, according to Parker's agent James Gould, everything with the receiver is perfect and he does not believe there will be any lingering issues as a result. According to Gould via the Miami Herald, the receiver could end up ready pretty quickly for when the season starts.
The Dolphins are hopeful their re-tooled offense is what they need to end the playoff drought. With Tannehill locked up for the long-term, Miami did their best to give him playmakers to work with after the departures of Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline. They brought in Jordan Cameron, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings to add to the roster which is creating some competition for playing time. While Cameron will start at tight end, Stills and Jennings will battle to start as the No.3 player. With Parker out, both players have a chance to prove themselves with added playing time and Jennings is confident he will enter the year playing his best.
"I'm concerned about what I can do to help this team win. I'm not concerned with everyone around me when it comes to what I bring to the table," Jennings said, via the Miami Herald. "I'm confident in my talents. So when it comes to targets and opportunity, that will all come. I don't think anybody ever feels like they lose anything. Going into my 10th year, there's a lot more miles. [But] my body feels great. Still can catch the ball. Still can run routes."
According to Tannehill, Jennings is one of the smarter players on the field and is leading the younger players with his veteran knowledge. That type of praise could help keep Jennings on the field more than others.