The New England Patriots’ rookie cornerbacks learned just how big, fast and physical an NFL receiver can be. Wideout DeVante Parker taught the young defensive backs a lesson during a red-zone heavy practice on Wednesday when the Patriots hosted their first day of training camp.
Parker scored touchdowns on back-to-back plays during red zone drills — with one for rookie Marcus Jones and another for rookie Jack Jones. Parker’s production was an encouraging sign, not only because the Patriots added the big-bodied receiver for help in the red zone but also because it’s common for newcomers to struggle to jump into the passing offense.
“Shoutout to him,” receiver Kendrick Bourne said after practice. “He’s doing very well adjusting to the team well. Buying in. Fits in well. Just using him the best way we can I feel like. And he’s obviously fitting it very well. It’s exciting to see.”
During 7-on-7 drills, Parker ran a stop route into traffic. He charged forward into a mess of defenders, with Marcus Jones on his hip. Quarterback Mac Jones must have identified the mismatch both in experience and in size, with Jones standing just 5-foot-8 and Parker being 6-foot-3. Mac Jones hit Parker with perfect timing so Marcus Jones was unable to defend the throw. The result? An easy touchdown. On the following play, Mac Jones rolled out of the pocket after seeing his first and second option covered. Jones then targeted Parker again. The receiver elevated for an impressive grab over Jack Jones. Parker then amped up the crowd with a flex in celebration.
“It’s awesome to add a piece like that, a guy that’s been around and played a long time in the league,” tight end Hunter Henry said. “He works really hard. Big body. Can make contested catches. It’s always nice to add a guy like that. It takes a little pressure off everybody else.”
In particular, Parker will take pressure off Henry, who scored all nine of his touchdowns over a 10-game span in 2021. When defenses became acutely aware that Mac Jones wanted to target his trusty tight end in the red zone, Henry faced a high volume of double teams, and scored zero touchdowns in the team’s final four games (including the postseason loss to the Buffalo Bills).
“The more guys we can add around and make it hard for (opponents) to defend so they can’t just key in on one guy or try to shut down one guy, it just makes everyone’s job a little easier,” Henry said.
Parker’s career-high in touchdowns was nine in 2019, the best season of his career that just so happened to come in Miami under former Patriots receivers coach Chad O’Shea. That might be why Parker seems to have an instant understanding of the offense. There is some familiarity between what O’Shea ran and what the Patriots are currently running.
Given that Parker has had a rough stretch of injuries over the last few years, he isn’t a lock to contribute in a big way in 2022. His immediate impact on Day 1 of training camp, however, is a terrific place to start.
