NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson

Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Player Information

Player: T.J. Parker

School: Clemson

Height/Weight: 6-3/265 lbs.

Player Background

- 4-Star Recruit

- Original Committed to Penn State but Flipped to Clemson

- High School All-American

- Second-Team All-ACC in 2024

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

- 89 Tackles

- 33 Tackles for a Loss

- 16.5 Sacks

- 6 Forced Fumbles

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

- 81.9 PFF Run Defense Grade

- 77.4 PFF Pass Rush Grade

- 18 QB Hits

- 50 QB Hurries

- 64 Defensive Stops

Player Traits

- Explosive first step to catch tackles off guard

- Strong enough to penetrate the middle

- Reliable in providing run support

- Big motor and drive to work through stronger tackles

- Fast, active hands with blockers and finding the ball

Player Summary

T.J. Parker is without a doubt one of the best players, not just defenders, in this draft class heading into the Fall. His explosiveness off the edge is something to behold as it can catch offensive tackles off guard. From there his strength is showcased when Clemson lines him up in the middle, and when he is forced to fight through tackles as they try and anchor. Not to be forgotten about, while everyone focuses on sack production, Parker gets in the backfield to disrupt the run game too which teams will love come April.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson