NFL Network analyst and former NFL player Brian Baldinger recently broke down film of Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker via social media ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“A lot to like here. Almost 6-4, 263 pounds. … A lot to like with T.J. Parker,” Baldinger said.
Going into the 2025 campaign, Parker was routinely projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but his stock took a hit during the season as his play and production slipped, with his sack total dropping from 11 in 2024 to five in 2025.
However, Parker finished the 2025 season with a flourish, as he was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week after collecting four tackles (three for loss), three sacks and a fumble recovery in the rivalry finale at South Carolina.
Parker continued that momentum with a monster week at the 2026 Senior Bowl while dominating during the practices in Mobile, Ala. And he followed that up with a strong performance during on-field workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
It’s widely believed that Parker has boosted his stock back up and put himself squarely back in the first-round conversation ahead of the NFL Draft, which is set to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Baldinger — a former offensive lineman who had a 13-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles – is a believer in Parker.
“[Parker] has 3 years of production at the program he always wanted to play for..And only 20 years old…Serious and mature…Has everything it takes to be as good as he wants..Easy guy to ‘pound the table for’,” Baldinger wrote in a social media post.
A 2023 freshman All-American and 2024 All-ACC selection, Parker piled up 144 tackles (41.5 for loss), 21.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and five pass breakups over 39 games (29 starts) in his Clemson career from 2023-25. He leaves Tigertown ranked 10th in career sacks and tied for fourth in career fumble recoveries, and he set the Clemson record for forced fumbles in a single season with six in 2024.
At the Senior Bowl, Parker talked about why he stayed loyal to Clemson and didn’t transfer, saying he had faith in head coach Dabo Swinney, along with defensive ends coach Chris Rumph, to help make him better both on and off the field.
“I’m loyal to Clemson,” Parker said. “Clemson, they took an opportunity on me coming out of high school, and I believed in Coach Swinney and the development I had with Coach Rumph. I felt like they could push me on and off the field to be a better man and a better player, and I didn’t want to leave.
“My parents always instilled in me, like, if you have something good going on and you ask for a situation, why leave it? Whether that’s to chase what somebody else wants, or money, that’s just not what I’m interested in. I’m interested in my development.”
NFL Network draft guru and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah currently ranks Parker as the No. 24 overall prospect in this year’s draft class, regardless of position.
“Parker is an intriguing edge rusher with the versatility to slide inside,” Jeremiah wrote. “He had a monster 2024 campaign (11 sacks) but saw his production drop off this past season (five sacks). He is a rugged pass rusher with a powerful shake/bull move coming off the edge. He can jolt blockers with his hands before separating and closing the distance with the quarterback. He doesn’t have an elite burst when rushing outside, but his quickness plays better when he rushes inside. Against the run, he can generate knock-back power at the point of attack and he’s adept at keeping opponents’ hands off his frame. Overall, Parker wasn’t quite as impactful in 2025, which ultimately could lead to a real value selection for his drafting team, but he did help himself with a strong week at the Senior Bowl.”
Jeremiah’s latest mock draft has Parker going to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round with the No. 20 overall pick.
As for Baldinger, you can check out his breakdown of Parker and some of his tape below: