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Todd McShay

Find the most comprehensive analysis on [Player Name], featuring Todd McShay’s evaluations. Official measurables, advanced analytics, and a scout’s eye provide the most in-depth breakdown of a prospect’s strengths and weaknesses, NFL draft projection, and potential at the next level.

Edge

T.J. Parker

Grade90 /100
Pos Rank6
OVR Rank22
School
CLEM

Experience

Played39
Started29

POSITION STATS LAST SEASON

Sacks
5
TFL
9
Tackles
37
FF
0
PBU
1
Todd McShay

Position-Specific Grades

COMBINE RESULTS

Height
6' 3 1/2"
Weight
263lbs
Todd McShay
ARM
33 1/8"
Todd McShay
HAND
9 1/2"
40-Yard Dash
4.68sec
Todd McShay
10-Yard Split
1.61sec
Vertical
34
Broad Jump
10' 0"

The Takeaway

The Player

Parker’s production majorly regressed in 2025. He went from 57 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles in 2024 to 37 tackles, 9.5 TFL, five sacks, and zero forced fumbles in 548 snaps last season. Still, I was impressed by Parker’s tape in 2025. He improved his array of pass rush moves (mixing in more effective swipes and timed spin moves), and his effort remained high despite Clemson’s disappointing season.

Parker is a long-armed bulldozer of a power rusher who completely overwhelms offensive tackles when he gets under their pads. He has an effective push-pull move that he should continue to develop as a counter to his power. While he shows good closing burst for his thick frame, Parker lacks ideal change-of-direction suddenness, which shows up when he’s forced to redirect quickly at the top of his rush. It also leads him to miss tackles in space. 

Against the run, he uses his long arms to stand offensive linemen up and has the power to jack them back on their heels. He sets a hard edge, plays with quality gap responsibility, and shows an ability to disengage quickly and pursue with really good effort.

Parker’s recognition is inconsistent at times, and he falls off some open-field tackles. His 7.6 percent stop rate is right around average for first-round edge prospects since 2015 (and higher than Rueben Bain’s 6.9 percent).     

The Draft

Some scouts are skeptical given Parker’s underwhelming production in 2025, but his strong showing at the Senior Bowl reminded evaluators of his NFL potential. Parker should hear his name called on the first night of the draft.

The Projection

Parker’s length and physicality will translate beautifully to the NFL game. He might never become an elite pass rusher, but he’ll be an immediate-impact player versus the run. Don’t be surprised if he emerges as a Rashaun Gary type, a player who failed to live up to his physical traits in college but unlocked his considerable tools in the NFL. Bradley Chubb is another glass-half-full comp, but Chubb is a more explosive athlete. Regardless, it won’t be the least bit surprising if Parker is more impactful in the NFL than he was in college.