The 2026 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the TJ Parker NFL Draft Profile.
TJ Parker Background
Position: Edge Rusher
School:
Clemson
Size:
6-foot-4, 264 Pounds
Class:
Junior
2025 stats: 37 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 3 fumble recoveries
Parker was a four-star recruit in the class of 2023 who signed with Clemson out of Alabama. He impressed right away for the Tigers, registering 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a freshman. His play helped Clemson win nine games that season. In 2024, Parker really broke out with 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, as Clemson won 10 games. This past season, Parker tallied 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks for the Tigers. He led the team to seven wins.
Following the season, Parker declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round draft pick.
TJ Parker Strengths
Parker has the frame of an NFL edge rusher. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, which are solid for the position. Parker also has NFL-level length, with arms that measure over 33 inches long. With his measurements, Parker has good strength and length, which can help him win his matchups.
He has shown himself to be a reliable run defender. Parker sets the edge well and can turn runs back inside where teammates can make the play. He is able to shed pretty well and is a sure tackler when the play is to his side of the field. His motor helps his pursuit of ball carriers, as his effort leads to a decent amount of his tackles.
His hand usage really helps him win. Parker gets his hands moving quickly, which helps him at the start of reps. He also has good hand placement as well. Given that he has strong hands, his hand fighting helps him defeat offensive linemen. He has plenty of moves that are aided by his strong hand work.
TJ Parker Weaknesses
Parker needs to add more counter moves to his game. He has good initial moves and power, but when the rush is stopped he doesn’t always have the most answers on how to free himself. Having a better rush plan to start a play will help, but being able to adjust on the fly will make him a more effective pass rusher.
He has some pass rush moves and power, but Parker has just average burst and flexibility to bend around the edge. Parker is a solid athlete with decent first-step quickness, but it will be hard for him to win around the edge at the next level. He’ll have to make sure his moves are effective or that he can convert his speed to power.
There are times when Parker’s pad level can get too high. He will stand too upright, which makes him lose his leverage and his power. Parker can lose matchups this way, so he needs to stay low to help retain his power and shed better.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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