Could Clemson Edge T.J. Parker Emerge as a Fit for the Chargers?

With the Los Angeles Chargers losing star pass rusher Odafe Oweh, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed with the Washington Commanders in free agency, the Bolts could look to add a young edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Los Angeles also brought back future Pro Football Hall of Famer Khalil Mack on a one-year, $18 million extension this offseason, but adding another pass rusher alongside him and Tuli Tuipulotu would help address the remaining void. With that said, Clemson standout T.J. Parker could be a logical fit depending on how the board falls.

The 21-year-old Phenix City, AL native spent all three seasons of his college career with the Tigers, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2023 after posting 33 total tackles (16 solo), one pass breakup and 5.5 sacks, along with an 83.0 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus.

Parker followed that up with a Second-Team All-ACC campaign in 2024, recording 57 total tackles (34 solo), one pass breakup, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, while earning an 88.1 overall defensive grade from PFF, including an 86.3 pass-rush grade and an 80.8 run-defense grade.

This past season, Parker was named an All-ACC honorable mention after tallying 37 tackles (18 solo), one pass breakup and five sacks, earning an 80.6 overall defensive grade from PFF, which ranked 79th among 852 qualifying edge defenders. His 74.5 pass-rush grade ranked 180th at the position, while his 77.5 run-defense grade ranked 142nd. He also generated 41 total pressures and added 21 solo tackles against the run.

Parker participated in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured in at 6-foot-3, 263 pounds with 33 1/8-inch arms and 9 1/2-inch hands. He ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash with a 1.61-second 10-yard split, while also posting a 34-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump.

According to Next Gen Stats, Parker earned a total score of 78, which ranked seventh among defensive ends. His production score of 74 ranked 11th, while his estimated athleticism score of 75 ranked 10th at the position.

For the Chargers, Parker would make sense as a physical, high-floor edge presence who complements their current group. He plays with strong hands and length, allowing him to set a firm edge against the run and disengage quickly to finish plays—traits that would fit well alongside veterans like Mack and the ascending Tuipulotu.

While he isn’t the most explosive or sudden rusher, he shows the ability to generate push with power and collapse the pocket when he times his rush properly. He is still developing as a pass rusher, but in a rotational role early on, Los Angeles could allow him to refine his counters while continuing to benefit from his strength at the point of attack as he adjusts to the speed of the NFL.