The Clemson Tigers, after a rough 2025 college football season, will now have a chance to see some of the team’s top players find a new home in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Earlier this week, Bears writer Mike Pendleton did a 2026 NFL mock draft, which included Clemson star defensive end TJ Parker being selected with the organization’s first-round pick.

“After Chicago lost their top free agent signing Dayo Odeyingbo at the pass rush position early in 2025, it became clear that the team needed to address their depth at the position,” Pendleton wrote. “The Bears leaned on Montez Sweat and Austin Booker to carry the load for their pass rush, but adding Parker would help give Dennis Allen another physical tool to work with.”

Parker, a former four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, quickly jumped onto the scene during his sophomore season with the program. In 2024, the highly-touted playmaker had a remarkable year, recording 57 tackles, 19 tackles for losses, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

His impressive second year with the Tigers caught the attention of many NFL scouts, as he was widely considered to be one of the top EDGE rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, similar to the rest of the Clemson team in 2025, Parker had a massive decrease in production this past season. In 2025, Parker ended his last college season with 37 tackles, nine tackles for losses, and five sacks.

Luckily for the Alabama native, the combination of his strong efforts in the 2024 season and his natural athleticism has kept Parker in first-round conversations. Parker is the No. 23-ranked prospect in the 2026 Draft, as well as the No. 5-ranked EDGE, according to PFF’s 2026 Big Board.

One of the main reasons why Parker could end up being selected in round one is due to the lack of talent in this year’s draft class. Outside of Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Ohio State’s Avrell Reese, and Texas Tech’s David Bailey, there is no clear-cut EDGE threat that could wind up being selected in round one. This could help his case to be taken on the first day.

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