2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: T.J. Parker (EDGE – Clemson)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Clemson EDGE rusher T.J. Parker.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: T.J. Parker

T.J. Parker (EDGE – Clemson)

6-foot-3 | 260 Pounds

Background

T.J. Parker was a four-star recruit who started three games and rotated in heavily as a freshman, finishing with 32-12.5-5.5. Took over a starting role the next season and went 57-19.5-11.0 with six forced fumbles before posting a 37-9.5-5.0 line this past season.

Positives

Parker is a well-built, long-limbed, productive three-year contributor and two-year starter for a major program. He typically played with his hand in the dirt, but frequently stood up and played out of a two-point stance as well. Effective two-gap run defender who locks out defenders, maintains gap integrity and does a nice job of locating the football. Anchor and functional strength are solid.

Because of Parker’s excellent technique, he can shed blocks very well at the appropriate time. Shows good suddenness and lateral quickness. Also flashes the ability to make tackles while engaged, with a nice radius. Maintains discipline as the read man in the run game. Shows an excellent motor in pursuit. A highly effective technical rusher on passing downs who typically tries to convert speed to power.

Uses his length and hands very well to keep defenders from getting into his pads. Does a nice job of controlling his depth as a speed rusher to avoid getting pushed past the pocket, and redirects back inside very well, showing impressive agility and footwork.

Plays with good leverage and leg drive as a bull rusher. Flashes the ability to dip his shoulder when working around the edge. High-effort style of play allows him to pick up sacks on his second effort. Able to make the occasional spot drop into coverage.

Negatives

Parker wasn’t quite able to match his sophomore-year production this past season. Overall range in run defense is more a function of his motor than his raw speed. Would like to see him diversify his rush approach a bit more.

A bit reliant on his length and technique as a rusher. Doesn’t have the most pronounced power element to his game, and doesn’t have the twitchiest reaction times or the most explosive first step. Can occasionally play out over his skates a little bit, leading to minor balance issues.

Summary

While Parker’s overall traits may not be quite as freaky as some of the other top EDGE defenders in this year’s class, he might be the most refined player of that type from a technical standpoint.

On the field, Parker shows an excellent ability to use his length and hands effectively to lock out defenders both as a run defender and as a pass-rusher, and is equally effective in both of those roles.

That makes him a relatively safe prospect with every-down potential, who could become even better as he continues to diversify his rush approach. Should come off the board in the first round as a scheme-versatile option.

Projection: Round 1