Clemson pass rusher T.J. Parker is predicted to land with a contender in the NFL Draft.
Clemson Tigers pass rusher T.J. Parker declared for the NFL Draft and could be a solid addition for a team. In CBS Sports' latest mock draft, Parker went to the Chicago Bears with the 29th overall pick in the first round.
"Parker is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher with the juice to both collapse pockets with a bull rush and the bend to win around the corner. He's stout and disciplined against the run, from setting the edge to blowing up plays in the backfield with his quickness. He shows surprising versatility, with the athleticism to drop into coverage from wide alignments and disrupt passing lanes," Ryan Wilson wrote.
Parker has been a talented pass rusher and run stuffer for Clemson's defense over the last few seasons.
In his freshman year in 2023, Parker had 32 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 12.5 tackles for loss. He followed that up with a dominant campaign in 2024, finishing with 57 total tackles, 11 sacks, and 19.5 tackles for loss.
Parker's numbers dropped in the 2025 season, but he still played well, recording 37 total tackles, five sacks, and 9.5 tackles for loss.
The 21-year-old is one of the best pass rushers in the draft and could go in the first round. While he's not expected to be one of the top picks in the draft, he could go later in the first round or early in the second round as pass rushers are highly valued.
However, that is likely to change over time as there is still the NFL Combine and plenty of time before the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
If Parker were to land with the Bears, he would join a playoff-contending team that has a talented defense. Chicago adding a pass rusher of Parker's caliber could help them elevate to an even better unit.
The Tigers have a lot of work to do heading into 2026 after a disappointing 7-6 season in 2025. Clemson will lose players like Parker, Peter Woods, and Avieon Terrell, which will make Dabo Swinney's job tougher as he has to replace them and improve the rest of the roster.
However, it will be great to see Parker build on his career with Clemson as he heads into the NFL Draft.