T.J. Parker 2026 NFL Draft Profile

T.J. Parker is a nuanced edge player who many individuals are overlooking after a disappointing 2025 campaign. He plays with power and relentlessness when defending both the pass and the run. This article will highlight Clemson Tigers Defensive End T.J. Parker and his 2026 NFL Draft Profile.

2026 NFL Draft Profile Of Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker

Measurables

• Height: 6’ 3”
• Weight: 265 lbs
• Arm Length: 34”

Player Background

As a four-star recruit out of Central Phenix City High School, T.J. Parker was the sixth-ranked defensive lineman in the country and considered a top-five player within the state of Alabama. He committed to Clemson University during the 2023 recruiting cycle, despite receiving offers from Alabama, Oregon, and Penn State, where he initially committed.

Parker made an immediate impact in Death Valley, posting numbers that no other Tiger had in their true freshman campaign. His 12.5 tackles for loss broke the mark set by Myles Murphy in 2020 and was tied for first in the country among players of his class. After earning the title of Freshman All-American in 2023, Parker set more program records the following season. He recorded 11.0 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and his six forced fumbles set the Clemson record.

This past season, Parker saw a major dip in production. Three of his six sacks came against South Carolina, which deployed one of the worst offensive lines in football this past season. According to Pro Football Focus, Parker still fell within the top 50% of all pass rushers in terms of pressures and defensive grade. He will leave Death Valley ranked 10th all-time in sacks and tied for fourth in fumbles recovered.

Accolades

• Second Team All-ACC (2024)
• Honorable Mention All-ACC (2023)
• Freshman All-American (2023)

Best Tools

T.J. Parker will make an immediate impact in the NFL, especially on early downs. His explosive first strike helps create separation between him and his matchup. He pairs explosiveness with heavy and active hands that allow him to shed blocks with speed and effectiveness. Parker consistently forces linemen onto their heels with these traits and understands how to protect his chest, allowing him to stay involved on just about every play.

The level of nuance in Parker’s game will set him apart from other prospects at his position. He understands how to sequence his moves together and deviate tempo throughout his reps as a pass rusher. In addition, Parker remains effective after his power runs out of steam. He contentiously pressures the quarterback with useful counters and a relentless motor that runs through the whistle.

Tools to Improve

T.J. Parker will be heavily reliant on his technique at the next level. He doesn’t possess elite first-step quickness or get-off speed, which severely limits his potential as a speed rusher. Parker won’t threaten the outside shoulder at the next level as he lacks bend, burst, and flexibility. Offensive linemen at the next level will recognize him as a power-reliant rusher and force Parker to beat them outside.

A lot of the concern with Parker relates to his game-to-game consistency and overall sack production, especially this past year. He struggled mightily against top-tier pass protector,s and a lot of production came against some of the worst offensive lines in College Football. Parker does a good job of pushing the pocket but lacks the high-end movement skills and athleticism to finish off sacks or chase players from behind.

NFL Projection

When talking about T.J. Parker, it feels like everybody is getting “prospect fatigue.” He set the bar incredibly high for himself after such a strong sophomore year, but that doesn’t mean a bad junior season should dictate how teams view this prospect. Parker can be a valuable run defender right out of the gates next season. While he isn’t the freakish athlete many teams want coming off the edge, his floor is higher than a lot of other players in this class. If Parker doesn’t hear his name called within the first 32 picks come April, he will give incredible value to the team selecting him on day two.