T.J. Parker Draft Grade | Round 2, Pick 3 | FanVerdicts

A-

Top 13%Pick Grade

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EDGE · Premium Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #27 · 1st Round Talent

T.J. Parker emerged as one of college football's most complete edge rushers over his three-year career at Clemson, transforming from a raw athlete into a polished pass rusher with elite closing speed and bend. The former four-star recruit from Atlanta showcased remarkable development under defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, evolving from a situational pass rusher as a sophomore to a three-down player who terrorized opposing quarterbacks. Parker's combination of explosive first step, technical hand usage, and relentless motor makes him a scheme-versatile defender who projects as an immediate impact player at the NFL level. While questions remain about his run defense consistency and ability to set the edge against power schemes, his pass-rushing prowess and football IQ have solidified his status as a Day 1 starter with significant upside.

Strengths

+Exceptional first-step quickness and acceleration allow him to consistently win the snap count and put offensive tackles in immediate distress off the line of scrimmage.

+Outstanding natural bend and flexibility enable him to dip his shoulder and turn the corner effectively, maintaining leverage while transitioning from rush to finish.

+Advanced hand technique repertoire including long arm, swim move, and rip that he deploys with precise timing based on tackle's leverage and footwork.

+Elite closing speed and finishing ability once he beats his man, rarely allowing quarterbacks to escape the pocket or step up to avoid pressure.

+High football IQ and pre-snap recognition allow him to identify blocking schemes quickly and adjust his rush lane accordingly.

+Relentless motor and effort level that never diminishes, consistently pursuing plays across the formation and showing up in fourth-quarter situations.

+Versatility to align in multiple positions along the defensive front, effective as a stand-up OLB in 3-4 schemes or hand-down DE in 4-3 systems.

+Strong pass-rush counter moves when his initial rush is stalled, showing ability to stack moves and work back to the quarterback.

+Excellent pursuit angles and backside chase ability, regularly making tackles on running plays away from his alignment.

+Leadership qualities and communication skills that helped anchor Clemson's defensive front through three seasons as a key contributor.

+Consistent production against top-tier ACC offensive lines, including dominant performances against Miami, North Carolina, and Florida State.

Athletic enough to drop into coverage occasionally, showing surprising fluidity for his size in zone coverage situations.

NFL Comparison: Brian Burns

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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T.J. Parker

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