Dolphins, DeVante Parker see perfect fit in each other

DAVIE, Fla. -- New Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker has only heard of fellow Louisville standout Mark Clayton, who starred for the Dolphins from 1983 to 1992, by name.

After snagging Parker with the No. 14 pick in the first round of the draft Thursday night, the Dolphins are hoping his new partnership with Ryan Tannehill will be able to replicate some of the success that Clayton, a five-time Pro Bowler who had 582 receptions and 8,974 yards over an 11-year career, had with Dan Marino.

At Parker's introductory news conference Friday surrounded by his family and flanked by general manager Dennis Hickey, executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum, and team owner Stephen Ross, the 22-year-old spoke softly and confidently about what he brings to the table for a team in desperate need for a No. 1 receiver.

"I'm a big, strong, physical receiver," Parker said. "A playmaker who can go up and get jump balls and just a good guy to be around."

Though Clayton may be a distant memory for some Dolphins fans, Parker said he believes A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals is the one receiver that most resembles his game. That would suit the Dolphins front office just fine, considering Green wrapped up the 2014 season with his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season to start his career.

"Fortunately, our board fell to our favor, and we were able to get DeVante Parker, a talented, athletic, fast and productive receiver that scores touchdowns," Hickey said. "That's what we wanted to add, and we were very fortunate for him to be there."

Parker did not participate in the first seven games of his senior year at Louisville because of a foot injury but still caught 43 passes for 855 yards -- averaging just under 20 yards per reception -- and scored five touchdowns over the course of eight games. He finished his collegiate career tied for the school record with 33 touchdowns and fourth all-time in yards with 2,775.

His combination of size (6-3) and speed (he ran the 40-yard dash at the combine in 4.45 seconds) makes him an ideal fit, and with a massive 6-8 wingspan, he's a perfect solution to to the Dolphins' red-zone woes last season.

"What we are trying to do is just add to the room in terms of speed, athleticism," Tannenbaum said. "Give another year of Ryan (Tannehill) growing with this group of guys, and we're excited about where we can go with them."

After he was selected, Parker and his family flew in to South Florida from Chicago the following morning and toured the Dolphins training facility at Nova Southeastern University. He said he received a congratulatory text from Tannehill but hasn't met him yet.

Not only does he consider himself a good fit with his new team, Parker also explained how he grew to love the city of Miami and was hoping to live there.

"I think it's from when I was training here for the combine," he said. "I was training for about a month or two. I just love the atmosphere here, and I love the city."

Far more important than his surroundings however is his excitement in joining a team on the rise that has enjoyed a productive offseason.

"They had a confidence in me to pick me up for their first-round draft pick at 14," he said. "I just want to show them that I'm here to do the work and whatever it takes to have a good season with them.

You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.