T.J. Parker 2026 NFL Draft Profile

Clemson looks poised for a deep run in the College Football Playoff, largely due to its defense. The Tigers lead the nation in returning production, with one key piece being T.J. Parker. Parker emerged as an elite edge rusher in 2024 and helped lead Clemson to an ACC Championship victory. He has been an incredibly productive player over two seasons and looks to continue his upward trajectory in 2025. Parker is one of the best defensive prospects in this upcoming class, but what makes him so effective?

2026 NFL Draft: T.J. Parker Player Profile

Background

Parker was a four-star recruit coming out of Central (Alabama) and the sixth-ranked defensive lineman in the Class of 2023. After initially committing to Penn State, he flipped to Clemson. Parker appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman and was an instant contributor. He had five and a half sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery in 2023. The flashes shown as a freshman were built upon as a sophomore. Parker finished with 11 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and a remarkable six forced fumbles. His standout performance came against Pittsburgh, with four sacks and a forced fumble in a thrilling 24-20 win.

Strengths

The first thing that jumps off on film is Parker’s power. Elite power is a must to be a premier pass rusher in the NFL. Parker uses his strength to power through tackles, and his bull rush is a nightmare for anyone lined up opposite of him. His technique stands out for a younger prospect, using good hand placement to gain control early in reps. Parker also uses his hands to disengage blockers as both a pass rusher and run defender. He finishes plays strongly, as evidenced by his six forced fumbles last season. Parker is alignment versatile, as he lines up both on the edge and inside the tackle. He isn’t just a pure pass rusher; Parker also brings value as a quality run stopper.

Weaknesses

Parker’s play strength is undeniable, but his bend isn’t elite. He is incredibly dangerous once he gets to the quarterback, but the lack of great bend can keep him from taking the quickest path as an edge rusher. Parker isn’t a hyper-athletic speed rusher, which allows more mobile quarterbacks to elude him.

Overview

Defensive ends are a premium position in the NFL, whether it’s draft stock or contract value. Parker’s combination of power, advanced technique, and run defense pencils him in as a first-round pick. He isn’t as explosive as a prospect like Abdul Carter, but his floor at the next level is extremely high. If the Tigers are going to win their first national championship since 2018, then Parker will need to continue being a game-changer.

It will be interesting to see how he performs under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Parker will have help on the defensive front, with fellow top prospect Peter Woods returning at defensive tackle. He has a strong chance of being the first edge rusher taken in April. With how valuable pass rushers are, Parker should be off the board within the first ten picks. The Cowboys are a team to watch with Parker after trading away Micah Parsons.