T.J. Parker

● Looks like a pro, with good length and adequate bulk throughout ● Go-to move is a long-arm rush, which disrupts balance of blockers ● Leverages speed-to-power moves with thudding hands to force his way into the pocket ● Swipe hands are physical and to the point ● Plays urgent in run game to spill or close on the football ● Frequent visitor to backfield (32.4 percent of career tackles were for loss) ● Play motor is always cranked and stuck in chase mode (recovered a fumble 30 yards downfield against South Carolina in 2025) ● Enough range to drop in space and not get stuck in the mud ● Set single-season school record for forced fumbles (six) ● Durable — finished college career playing in 39 straight games

● Average pass-rush answers when attempting to work high side ● Needs better plan B when initial rush is stalled by power ● Will sacrifice his balance trying to escape once engaged with blockers ● Attacks before reading — finds himself too far upfield and past the ball ● Late to recognize and counter cut blocks ● Disappointing production and impact in 2025 after All-America sophomore season

A starter for two-and-a-half years at Clemson, Parker was an outside edge rusher (two- and three-point stance) in defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s scheme and was coached by defensive ends coach Chris Rumph, who’d previously coached in the NFL (2020-23). Parker broke onto the scene as a Freshman All-American and had a remarkable sophomore year in 2024. He wasn’t nearly as impactful on his 2025 tape, but he had his moments. He finished his Clemson career with more tackles for loss (41.5) than games played (39). Parker is at his best when he finds a runway and uses his get-off, forward lean and length to drive blockers backward into the laps of their quarterbacks. Though his speed-to-power attack is formidable, NFL blockers will be expecting it — how he develops his setup and secondary rush will determine his pro ceiling. There are times when he is worn down by size, but he throws his hands around like anvils and closes quickly on the ball. Overall, Parker is still learning how to unlock counter maneuvers, but he offers a reliable foundation built on leveraged power and a consistent motor that helps him make plays as a rusher and run defender. He projects as a solid NFL starter, similar to Jabaal Sheard.