Duke's coach reveals an offensive lineman with NFL draft potential, possessing rare versatility across all five positions.
Duke head coach Manny Diaz will try to continue building upon some big success the program made in 2025.
The Blue Devils shocked the nation by winning the ACC Championship Game over Virginia despite having an 8-5 record at the time.
Now, Diaz will try to keep momentum going with the program after quarterback Darian Mensah left for Miami in the transfer portal.
One of the most talented players from the ACC Championship winner is interior offensive lineman Brian Parker II. He made all of his 33 starts in college at tackle, but projects to be a center/guard in the NFL.
Diaz told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that Parker is a sleeper for the 2026 NFL Draft. He thinks Parker could play any spot on an NFL offensive line.
"He could be a guy that plays all five [offensive line] positions and adds a lot of value to an NFL team," Diaz said.
"That's his value, being highly smart and a guy who played right tackle in college but played center at the East-West Shrine Game and did a good job there, by all accounts."
Being able to play all positions is a smart asset to have in the NFL. That could help him stay on a roster after training camp in the future because teams need offensive linemen that can help at multiple positions when injuries hit.
Duke offensive line coach Jeff Norrid offered high praise for Parker before the draft. Parker brings leadership in addition to power.
"Brian’s leadership was extremely valuable not only to the offense but the entire team," Norrid said, via USA Today. "His consistency, durability, and physicality were a tremendous part of our success as a team...
"As a player in both run and pass protection, he is very savvy," Norrid said. "In the run game, he understands leverage and is good with his hands. He has disciplined footwork that allows him to get in the right positions and play with power."
Parker could be a round three or round four offensive lineman. He could be a backup in 2026 with the ceiling of developing into a starter.
Based on his versatility, at worst, he's a utility man that stays on the roster to come in during emergency situations on Sunday.