NFL Analyst Praises Clemson Edge Rusher Ahead of Draft

T.J. Parker boosted his stock with strong Senior Bowl and Combine performances.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:06pm

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NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger recently broke down film of Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker, praising the 6-4, 263-pound prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite a dip in production in 2025, Parker bounced back with a dominant Senior Bowl week and solid Combine showing, putting himself back in the first-round conversation.

Why it matters

Parker was a highly touted 2023 freshman All-American and 2024 All-ACC selection, but his stock took a hit after his sack total dropped from 11 in 2024 to just 5 in 2025. His strong showings in Mobile and Indianapolis have helped him regain momentum as a potential first-round pick.

The details

Baldinger highlighted Parker's combination of size, power, and production, noting he had 144 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries over his 3-year Clemson career. Parker also set the school record with 6 forced fumbles in 2024. After a disappointing 2025, he bounced back with a dominant Senior Bowl week and solid Combine performance.

  • Parker was a 2023 freshman All-American and 2024 All-ACC selection at Clemson.
  • His sack total dropped from 11 in 2024 to 5 in 2025.
  • Parker had a strong finish to 2025, earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
  • He dominated at the 2026 Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama.
  • Parker performed well at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The players

T.J. Parker

A 6-4, 263-pound edge rusher who had 144 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries over 39 games (29 starts) in his 3-year Clemson career from 2023-25.

Brian Baldinger

An NFL Network analyst and former NFL player who had a 13-year career as an offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles.

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What they’re saying

“'A lot to like here. Almost 6-4, 263 pounds. … A lot to like with T.J. Parker.'”

— Brian Baldinger, NFL Network Analyst

“'[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'.'”

— Brian Baldinger, NFL Network Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where Parker will look to solidify his status as a first-round pick.

The takeaway

After a dip in production in 2025, Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker has regained momentum as a potential first-round pick thanks to his dominant Senior Bowl week and strong Combine performance. NFL analysts see a lot of upside in the versatile 20-year-old prospect.