Clemson Tigers star T.J. Parker could become a dominant force on the NFL level.
Clemson Tigers edge rusher T.J. Parker went to the Buffalo Bills with the 35th overall pick of the NFL Draft on Friday night, which is right around where most expected him to fall.
There were some who had Parker tabbed as a late first-round selection, but because he had a disappointing season in 2025, his slide to early Round 2 was not at all surprising.
But make no mistake about it: Parker could end up becoming one of the best pass rushers from this draft class.
For starters, the Bills were absolutely in need of an edge rusher, so the fact that they nabbed Parker near the top of the second round was not shocking.
And Parker has shown that he can rush the passer with the best of them.
Back in 2024, the 6-foot-4, 265-pound star racked up 57 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. It was an absolutely phenomenal showing for Parker, and it had many viewing him as an elite defensive prospect.
T.J. Parker. Credit: Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.But like just about everything else with Clemson this past season, Parker had a very off year in 2025, finishing with 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
It certainly wasn't a bad season for the 21-year-old, but it absolutely wasn't what everyone expected after his brilliant sophomore showing.
Here's the thing, though: that player we saw in 2024 is absolutely still there. He didn't just disappear into thin air.
Parker is great in pretty much every area. He's explosive. He's powerful. He's athletic. He can defend both the run and the pass. He also has a good track record.
Keep in mind that the atmosphere at Clemson this past year wasn't exactly positive. The team went just 7-6 in spite of entering the season with national championship aspirations. Cade Klubnik, Antonio Williams and Peter Woods — all considered top-tier talents going into 2025 — struggled.
Is it that much of a surprise that it became a bit contagious?
That's why we really cannot judge Parker from his final season with the Tigers. Again, he dominated the competition the year prior. That's why the Bills were so stoked to nab him at No. 35.
Expect big things from Parker in Buffalo.
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