T.J. Parker NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills Edge

The Buffalo Bills selected Clemson Edge T.J. Parker with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

T.J. Parker is a 6'3", 260-pound edge defender with the size, strength and physicality to be a high-quality run defender and power-rusher at the next level. He went to Clemson as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class, per 247Sports.

Parker made an immediate impact for the Tigers, becoming a Freshman All-American selection from several outlets while recording 32 total tackles, 13 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. In 2024, he was a second-team All-ACC selection with 57 tackles, 20 TFLs, 11 sacks and a school-record six forced fumbles.

The Clemson product's product slid this past season, recording just 37 tackles, 9.5 TFLs and five sacks, but he did receive an honorable mention All-ACC recognition.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Highlights

T.J. Parker highlights

01:00

Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

AP Photo

- Thick build with good size for an NFL defensive end. Appears to have good arm length.

- Strong and physical at the point of attack to set the edge against the run and win with power as a pass-rusher. Also has a good long-arm move to collapse the pocket.

- Plays with his hands in front of him in both phases of the game to protect his chest.

- Active hands when rushing the passer, has shown a solid cross-chop move.

- Smooth change of direction and lateral movement skills for his size.

- Looked comfortable in zone coverage when asked to drop in coverage.

Areas of Improvement

Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

- Doesn't display good burst off the line of scrimmage to win around the edge with speed.

- Lacks some twitch and quickness for a prospect of his caliber.

- Struggles to work the hands after contact and doesn't have a counter move to win as a pass-rusher if he doesn't make the first significant contact.

- Average at best bend, ankles are a little stiff to turn tight corners at the top of the rush.

- Pays high and struggles to sink his hips to avoid getting pushed inside by down blocks from offensive linemen.

Grade, Rank, and Pro Comparison

Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

GRADE: 7.9 (Key Contributor — 2nd Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Jermaine Johnson II (7.9 in 2022), BJ Ojulari, LSU (7.9 in 2023), Mykel Williams, Georgia (7.9 in 2025)

OVERALL RANK: 23

POSITION RANK: EDGE3

PRO COMPARISON: Less explosive Bradley Chubb

Measurables and Testing Data

AP Photo

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 263

Hand: 9½"

Arm: 33⅛"

Wingspan: 79"

---

40-Yard Dash: 4.68

10-Yard Split: 1.61

3-Cone: N/A

Shuttle: N/A

Vertical: 34"

Broad: 10'0"

Catch all the latest picks in Rounds 2 and 3 on the B/R NFL Draft Live Show.