T.J. Parker

EDGE·Clemson
Junior·6'3"·265 lbs

Consensus

Derived from 2 independent scout reports + combine measurables.

78.0
Composite Score
R1, Pick 15-62
Projected Pick
80.5
Film
-4.0
Combine
+1.5
Age

Scout Reports

Scout 1Primary Analysis74 / 100

T.J. Parker — EDGE | Clemson | 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report


DynastySignal Film Report | 55 Frames Reviewed



1. The Short Version


T.J. Parker is a long, powerful edge rusher out of Clemson who plays with consistent effort and impressive versatility for a player his age. The case for him is simple: rare length-to-power combination at 6'3"/260+ lbs, genuine two-way ability in both the pass rush and run defense, and the kind of motor that shows up in blowouts and 4th-quarter rivalry games alike. The case against is that he entered the 2024 season with enormous expectations as a top-50 recruit, and while the production is respectable (9.5 TFL, 5.0 SK in 2025), he hasn't yet consistently dominated against elite offensive lines the way a premium 2026 EDGE prospect needs to. He's a high-floor, debatable-ceiling player — a likely Day 2 pick who profiles as a reliable starter rather than a franchise cornerstone rusher.



2. Measurables & Background


| Attribute | Detail |

|---|---|

| Name | T.J. Parker |

| Position | EDGE / Defensive End |

| School | Clemson University |

| Class | Junior (2023 recruit, 2026 draft eligible) |

| Height | ~6'3"–6'4" |

| Weight | ~260–263 lbs |

| Recruit Rating | 4-Star (Top 50 overall, 2023 class — Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports) |

| Jersey Number | #3 |

| 2025 Stats | 39.0 TKL, 9.5 TFL, 5.0 SK |

| Draft Year | 2026 |



3. Film Sources Reviewed


| Source | Frames | Key Content |

|---|---|---|

| The NFL Film Room — T.J. Parker Full College Football Highlights (8:31) | 18 frames (film_001–film_018) | Multi-year career highlights; games vs. Syracuse, SMU, South Carolina, NC State, Pitt, Stanford |

| The NFL Film Room — T.J. Parker 2024 Season Highlights (4:18) | 19 frames (film_2_001–film_2_019) | 2024 full-season reel; Georgia (Aflac Kickoff), NC State, South Carolina, Pitt, SMU (ACC Championship) |

| ACC Digital Network — T.J. Parker 2025 Regular Season Highlights (3:42) | 18 frames (highlights_001–highlights_018) | 2025 season cut-ups; LSU, Syracuse, North Carolina, Boston College, SMU, South Carolina; stat banner: 39.0 TKL / 9.5 TFL / 5.0 SK |



4. What The Film Shows


Pass Rush Moves — **B / 6.8**


Parker's primary rush move is an outside speed rush, attacking the corner with a wide arc and working to bend the edge. He's naturally inclined to the speed-to-power conversion when the corner rush stalls — he's not a finesse guy with a bag of tricks, but he has enough counter move awareness to set up bull rushes with speed and vice versa.


  • film_016 (Pitt game): Parker aligns in a three-point stance, wide-9, outside shade on the right tackle (#77). He explodes off the ball and works an outside speed rush, clearing upfield. The tackle rides him slightly past the pocket, highlighting the need for a tighter arc or a counter — he doesn't get home but the rush generates pocket awareness from the QB.
  • film_2_007 (SMU — ACC Championship area): Clear penetration play where Parker has beaten the right tackle with what appears to be an inside counter after threatening outside. An SMU offensive lineman (#64) ends up on the ground and a Clemson rusher — Parker — collapses on the QB. Demonstrates that he can chain moves.
  • highlights_013 (vs. Western Carolina/similar): Close-angle frame shows Parker executing a spin/inside counter near the QB, sacking him to the turf. His grip strength and ability to pull off the blocker and finish is evident here.
  • highlights_016 (vs. South Carolina): Parker gets around the edge and directly into the QB's chest for a strip-sack attempt, demonstrating his ability to use his length and long arms to bat at the ball.

    • Assessment: He's a capable rusher but not yet a polished craftsman. The speed-to-power package works consistently against mid-level tackles; against elite competition (Georgia's offensive line in film_2_008), he's fighting but not winning cleanly. The development of a reliable inside counter would push him up boards.



    First Step & Motor — **A- / 8.5**


    This is Parker's calling card and the trait that will land him in the NFL regardless of anything else. His get-off is consistently quick and he simply does not take plays off. Multiple frames capture him in full pursuit 20+ yards from the line of scrimmage on plays that have broken contain — that's edge rusher character.


  • film_2_003 (vs. NC State, Clemson up 28-0, 2nd & 1): With the game a blowout, Parker (#3) is still flying around and hustling in pursuit. Motor is real — no coasting.
  • film_2_004 (vs. South Carolina, 4th quarter, 2-point lead, 2nd & 6): Pre-snap frame shows Parker in a two-point stand-up stance, eyes locked in, clearly primed for a critical down. His intensity at the line reads even from the overhead angle.
  • film_2_008 (ACC Championship, SMU): Wide pursuit frame shows Parker in full sprint across the field chasing an SMU ball carrier or scrambling QB. His stride length covers ground well for a 260-lb player.
  • highlights_010 (vs. TCU/small school): Parker fires off the edge and blows past the right tackle before the play has fully developed — his get-off is elite here, winning with timing on the snap count.

    • Assessment: Legitimate NFL-quality motor and first step. This will be something every team checking him out will love. The effort level never dips regardless of game situation, and his pursuit radius on both run and pass plays is excellent.



    Run Defense — **B+ / 7.5**


    Parker is not just a pass-rush specialist — he actively competes in the run game and shows strong edge-setting technique. His length is his best weapon here: those long arms allow him to stack blockers at the point of attack without getting his pads into their chest, preserving his ability to disengage and find the ball carrier.


  • film_2_001 (vs. South Carolina, 2nd & 17): Overhead view shows Parker fighting through the run block, staying square to the line, and helping funnel the ball carrier into pursuit. Disciplined — doesn't over-pursue or lose his gap.
  • film_2_002 (vs. South Carolina, 1st & 10, 3rd quarter): Parker is clearly engaged with the offensive tackle (#74) at the point, arms extended, holding the edge. The run is contained. He's stacking and shedding correctly.
  • film_006 (vs. South Carolina, 2nd & 7, opening drive): Parker maintains outside leverage while engaging the left tackle (#75). He keeps his outside shoulder free and funnels the ball carrier back inside — textbook edge setting.
  • highlights_006 (vs. Boston College): Run support sequence near the goal line shows Parker disengaging from his block and diving into a tackle near the line of scrimmage. He fights to the ground with the ball carrier, demonstrating toughness and body control in a confined space.

    • Assessment: Above-average run defender for a college edge rusher. He holds the edge without getting washed, pursues well when plays go away from him, and shows understanding of gap assignments. This is a trait that accelerates his NFL role — he won't be a situational rusher; he can play three downs.



    Length & Power — **B+ / 7.8**


    At 6'3"–6'4" and 260+ lbs, Parker has the physical profile that translates. His arm length appears elite — he consistently wins at the point of contact by keeping blockers away from his body, which is the most underrated skill for an EDGE in the NFL.


  • film_010 (vs. Clemson/pre-snap): Three-point stance frame clearly shows long arm extension, coiled and ready. His reach advantage over the offensive tackle is visible even at distance.
  • film_2_011 (Pitt game, pass rush): Parker engages the right tackle in what appears to be a power/bull-rush rep, driving the tackle back toward the QB and generating interior compression. His ability to win with power is complementary to his speed rush.
  • highlights_005 (vs. Boston College, BC 1-4): Close-range engagement frame shows Parker with both hands engaged inside the blocker's frame — he has the anchor strength to hold his position against a bull-rushing tackle and counters back into a TFL. The upper-body power is there.
  • highlights_008 (vs. TCU): Sack finish frame — Parker is on top of the QB (in purple), draped over him, showcasing his ability to wrap and drive through the tackle with his frame. His body position over the QB shows he finishes with authority.

    • Assessment: The physical tools are real. He's not going to overpower every NFL offensive tackle immediately, but the combination of length and functional strength is already evident against ACC and SEC competition. He needs to add play strength and get stronger at the point of attack to compete with elite NFL blockers.



    Versatility — **B / 7.0**


    Parker shows the ability to play both hand-down (three-point) and hand-up (two-point) alignments without looking uncomfortable in either. He's been used as a traditional 4-3 DE and as a stand-up 3-4 OLB-type in Clemson's multiple fronts. This versatility makes him schematically desirable.


  • film_016 (vs. Pitt): Three-point stance, wide-9 alignment — classic 4-3 DE look.
  • film_2_004 (vs. South Carolina, 4th quarter): Two-point stand-up stance on the edge — looks natural and comfortable, not forced.
  • highlights_014 (vs. South Carolina): Shows Parker dropping into a short-zone area after a fake rush, demonstrating some awareness in coverage. He's not a coverage specialist but he's not lost when asked to do it.
  • film_018 (NC State, pass rush from wide alignment): Parker comes off the edge from a wide alignment and converts quickly to a pursuit angle when the QB scrambles to the opposite side — shows good situational awareness.

    • Assessment: Projects as a 4-3 DE primarily but could play standing up in a 3-4. His coverage awareness is functional but shouldn't be a featured part of his NFL role. The schematic flexibility is a genuine value-add in today's NFL.



    5. Strengths Summary


  • Relentless motor: Multiple frames (film_2_003, film_2_008) show full-effort pursuit plays regardless of game situation or score. This is a guy you can trust to compete all 60 minutes (film_2_003 — blowout 28-0, still flying around; film_2_004 — tight 4th quarter, locked in).

  • Elite arm length for the position: His length is visible in nearly every engagement frame (film_016, film_2_011, film_006). He keeps blockers at distance in both the run game and pass rush, which is the foundational skill for an NFL edge rusher's longevity.

  • Genuine two-way ability: Not a situational pass rusher. He holds the point of attack, sets the edge, and pursues intelligently in the run game (film_2_001, film_2_002, film_006). NFL teams building 3-down DEs will prioritize this.

  • Power finisher in the pass rush: When he gets to the QB, he finishes. The sack frames (highlights_008, film_2_007) show him driving through the tackle with authority rather than diving at legs.

  • Big-game readiness: Played against #1 Georgia (Aflac Kickoff, film_2_008), #15 South Carolina multiple times, LSU (highlights_001), and in the ACC Championship vs. SMU. He competed on every stage without disappearing.

  • Natural pre-snap alignment flexibility: Comfortable in three-point (film_016) and two-point (film_2_004) stances without sacrificing his pass rush readiness.


    • 6. Concerns & Risks


  • Sack production relative to tools: 5.0 sacks in 2025 is solid but not elite for a 4-star top-50 recruit with this physical profile. You want to see 8-10+ sacks from a player this talented in year two. The film explains some of it — he creates a lot of pressure — but the finish rate needs to improve.

  • Rush arc is too wide on speed rushes: Multiple frames (film_016, film_2_006) show him taking a wide arc around the tackle that allows the blocker to ride him past the pocket. He needs a tighter bend to corner and/or better use of inside counters to keep tackles honest.

  • Counter move diversity is limited: The speed rush and speed-to-power are real. The inside counter shows up in some reps. But a deeper move repertoire — a refined swim, a rip, a chop — would make him significantly harder to block in the NFL where tackles are more patient and technically sound.

  • Limited dominant single snaps against elite tackle competition: The Georgia tape (film_2_008) shows him engaged but not winning cleanly against their elite offensive line. That's one data point, but it matters — NFL scouts will show him those reps.

  • Body composition and play strength development: At 260 lbs, he needs to add functional play strength to anchor and disengage against NFL guards on stunt games and against heavier-set tackles. The frame can hold more weight.


    • 7. NFL Comp


    Primary Comp: Sam Williams (Ole Miss → Cowboys) — Long, explosive edge with elite physical tools and a similar question about move development and translating athleticism to consistent production. Williams showed more bend; Parker shows more power and run defense. Both are round 2-3 value types with starter upside if the move set develops.


    Secondary Comp: Isaiah Simmons (early career — versatility angle) — This is a structural comp, not a talent comp. Parker's willingness to play multiple alignments and contribute on all three downs resembles a "chess piece" defensive front player. He won't test like Simmons but the schematic value is comparable — teams want edge players they can keep on the field regardless of down and distance.



    8. Bottom Line


    T.J. Parker is exactly the kind of player dynasty leagues should be tracking for IDP: a high-floor, three-down EDGE who brings legitimate production across run and pass defense with upside if his pass rush move development catches up to his physical tools. He's not going to be the alpha rusher on a contending defense out of the gate, but he projects as a genuine starter who can put up 6-9 sacks per year at peak while contributing to run defense — the kind of player who makes a defense better in ways that don't always show up in box scores. The 2026 draft class is loaded at edge, which caps his upside in draft boards, but Parker's combination of motor, length, and two-way utility should land him a starting role relatively quickly at the NFL level.



    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 74/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 45-62



    Film Score: 74 / 100

    Scout 2Independent Analysis87 / 100

    Scout 2 Report: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson


    The Short Version

    Parker's a twitchy power rusher with Day 1 starter traits, but the hype train overlooks his stiff hips and one-dimensional rush—he's no Micah Parsons clone, more like a poor man's Will Anderson who feasts on mediocre ACC tackles. Contrarian take: Mid-first ceiling, not top-10.


    Measurables & Background


    | Measurable | Value |

    |---|---|

    | Height | 6'4.5" |

    | Weight | 248 lbs |

    | Age (2026 Draft) | 20 |

    | Class | RS Freshman |

    | 2024 Stats | 39 TKL, 9.5 TFL, 5 SK |

    | Background | Elite recruit (#2 EDGE '24), true frosh All-ACC honoree. Raw athlete exploding onto scene but limited snaps vs elite comp. |


    Film Sources


    | Source | Duration | Frames | Prefix |

    |---|---|---|---|

    | NFL Film Room Full Highlights | 8:31 | 18 | film_ |

    | ACC Digital 2025 Reg Season | 3:42 | 18 | highlights_ |

    | NFL Film Room 2024 Highlights | 4:18 | 19 | film_2_ |


    Film Analysis


    Key EDGE Traits (graded X/10):


  • Explosion/Burst: 8/10 – Violent first step off edge, wins half-man initially (film_001 snap vs Syracuse, film_003 2nd&9 bull into backfield; highlights_001 LSU pressure).
  • Power/Strength: 9/10 – Mauls RTs with bull rush, stacks & sheds (film_005 SMU 1st&10 OT driven back; film_2_004 Stanford TFL; highlights_016 SCAR run stuff).
  • Bend/Flexibility: 6/10 – Stiff in arc, struggles to flatten vs quicker sets (film_009 hips lock; film_2_010 edge washed wide; highlights_010 NCSt no dip).
  • Speed/Pursuit: 7/10 – Closes in space ok, chases down RBs (film_011 pursuit angle; highlights_003 chase sack; film_2_017 hustle stop).
  • Run Defense: 8/10 – Sets hard edge, fills alleys (highlights_005 TFL vs Boston College; film_014 NCSt run fit; film_2_002 hold point).
  • Tackling/Finishing: 7/10 – Secures most, but high misses (film_007 arm tackle whiff; highlights_012 drag tackle).

    • Overall Grade: B+ – Dominant vs ACC but tape screams "needs counters & coaching" vs NFL athletes.


    Strengths

  • Elite anchor power overwhelms in phone booth (film_005 OT pancaked, highlights_016 RB stacked)
  • Sudden get-off disrupts timing (film_001 clean release vs Syracuse, film_003 circled in 2nd&9)
  • Play strength shines on run downs (highlights_005 pile drive, film_2_004 Stanford TFL)
  • Motor & length for pursuit (film_011 closing speed, highlights_017 strip attempt)
  • Sack production flashes (highlights_001 LSU graphic 5SK, film_2_019 endzone threat)

    • Concerns

  • Limited rush arsenal: 80% bull/power, telegraphed vs bendy OT (film_009 stiff arc, film_2_010 locked hips)
  • Gets reached vs outside zone (highlights_011 NCSt washed, film_014 gap overflow)
  • Tackle breakage on hustle plays (film_007 missed wrap-up, highlights_012 high contact)
  • Youth/rawness: Inconsistent stack/shed vs doubles (film_2_007 double chipped)
  • Speed not burner-level, arcs wide (film_015 chase but no flatten)

    • Dynasty Outlook (1-3 yr window)

    Year 1: Rotational 4-3 OLB in power-gap scheme (Philly/Det type). Year 2: Starter if adds inside move. Year 3: 8-10 sack perennial if bend improves. Avoid 3-4 teams needing OLB speed.


    NFL Comp

  • Floor: Harold Landry (twitchy power but bend-limited)
  • Ceiling: Josh Sweat (raw explosion turns pro with coaching)

    • Bottom Line

    Parker's a plug-and-play power EDGE with top-25 upside, but don't mortgage the farm—his stiff rush profile caps him outside elite unless an NFL DC unlocks his bend. Bet unders on top-15 hype.


    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 87/100

    Projected Pick: R1, Pick 15-25



    Film Score: 87 / 100

    College Stats

    2025–26 season

    College stats are not tracked for EDGE prospects.

    Measurables

    ● = confirmed at the Combine. Pre-combine estimates shown where unconfirmed.

    Height6'3"CONFIRMED
    Weight265 lbsCONFIRMED
    40-Yard Dash4.68sCONFIRMED
    Vertical Jump34.0"CONFIRMED
    Broad Jump120"CONFIRMED
    Bench Press—NOT CONFIRMED
    3-Cone Drill—NOT CONFIRMED
    Shuttle Run—NOT CONFIRMED
    Arm Length10.00"CONFIRMED
    Hand Size34.00"CONFIRMED