TJ Parker is an EDGE from Clemson who is ranked No. 83 on my NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board. This comprehensive scouting report analyzes Parker’s draft potential, current mock draft trends, and where he ranks among the top prospects.
TJ Parker’s NFL Draft Potential
TJ Parker’s stock has fallen in 2025. After accumulating 16.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in his first two seasons, he’s been much quieter as a junior. Part of that has been situational, as Clemson has not played in positive game scripts nearly as often. But Parker himself has not been as consistent with his motor, quickness off the ball, and operational efficiency.
He’s flashed above-average bend as a finisher, but his hip stiffness still gets in the way at times. Parker’s main appeal will be as a dense, well-leveraged speed-to-power generator, and within that lens, he knows how to decouple extensions and load his base. That said, Parker’s stock may be correcting toward mid-to-late Day 2 range, and even then, there will be questions with his athleticism, rigidity, and length.
CFB Week 9 Update
Clemson was on a bye in Week 9, but will return to action in Week 10 against the Duke Blue Devils. Parker will be tested by Duke OT Brian Parker II—a heavy-handed blocker who won’t hesitate to torque through and finish with physicality if Parker loses leverage or sync. Duke could control the game script early in this game, which means Parker will have to keep a consistent motor and leverage attunement in the run game.
CFB Week 10 Update
TJ Parker had a few nice reps where he displayed good ankle flexion and cornering ability for his size—but overall, his performance against Duke was subpar. As a pass-rusher, Parker struggled to win quickly with speed or power, and was often corralled on counters, with his energy fading on occasion.
Meanwhile, he proved easy to move in the run game, with inconsistent anchor strength and point-of-attack force. Parker’s stock has steadily fallen in 2025, and at this point, it might be in the realm of possibility that Parker returns to school, transfers, and attempts to resurrect his standing in 2026.
CFB Week 11 Update
On the surface, Parker’s Week 11 performance was a step in the right direction, in a 2025 season that’s been down overall for Parker’s stock. He had seven pressures, for a PFF pressure rate of over 17%. However, over half of those pressures were either on unblocked reps, or against tight ends.
Parker did flash his forklift power early in the game against FSU’s right tackle, precisely targeting his opponent’s hands to nullify his extensions while driving into the pocket. But the concern with Parker is that he’s just not built to win quickly, and his ceiling might be capped as a result.
CFB Week 12 Update
Parker’s 2025 season hasn’t been what was envisioned in the summer, but there were flashes of his peak play in Week 12 against the Louisville Cardinals. Parker’s energized stutter-bulls, forklift power, and violent recalibration graced the film several times in the pass-rush phase, and his motor was the most consistent it’s been this year in run defense.
On one pursuit rep, he caved in a backside seal block with his raw power and contributed to a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Parker still doesn’t grade in Round 1 range; his first step remains inconsistent, and he doesn’t have the bend to run the arc at shallower depths. But as a workmanlike power rusher and run defender, there’s still definite utility there.
Where Is Parker Being Selected Most Often in the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator?
Mock draft data for TJ Parker is not currently available. Check back for updated MDS information as we get closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Where Does TJ Parker Rank Amongst Other NFL Draft Prospects?
Parker is currently ranked No. 83 overall in my November 2026 NFL Draft Big Board. Among EDGE prospects, Parker ranks 10th at the position, trailing prospects like Rueben Bain Jr., Keldric Faulk, David Bailey. Currently ranked in the top 100, Parker will look to increase their draft stock in the coming months.
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