2015 NFL Draft Prospects: The Top-10 Most Pro Ready

Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker (9) catches a pass while defended by Miami Hurricanes defensive back Artie Burns (1) during the second half of the Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5: DeVante Parker

Despite the success of last year’s rookie class, the receiver position is one of most difficult to play as a rookie. You have to read the defense just like the quarterback does and run your route accordingly. If your not in the right place with a timing route with the quarterback, you can cost your quarterback an interception

Impact and Production

DeVante Parker missed the first seven games of his senior year with a broken foot. But when he came back, he exploded with 43 catches for 855 yards and five touchdowns, making the All-ACC team. And if you want to talk consistent hands, Parker has only three drops since the 2012 season.

Ability

At 6’3″, 209 pounds and 33 1/4-inch long arms, Parker has the size to provide a huge catch radius. His 36 1/2-inch vertical leap helps that catch radius and he has good strength with 17 reps of 225 pounds. He also has good speed with a 4.45 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

Understanding

Parker runs his routes at different speeds, to set up defenders, often getting past them for big plays. He also does well at the start of a play to get himself a release off the line of scrimmage. Parker comes from the West Coast offense at Louisville so the verbiage and reading defenses won’t be a problem when he gets to the NFL.

Next: No. 4