The Dallas Cowboys are in the market for defensive line help this offseason, and one potential target could be T.J. Parker of Clemson. Coming out of the 2024 season, it seemed like a lock that Parker would be a top 10 pick after recording 19.5 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks as a sophomore. But a lackluster junior season caused his stock to fall, and now he’s one of the biggest wild cards in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Parker’s draft stock is back on the rise. Could he be an option for the Cowboys in Round 1? Here is our scouting report for the former Clemson star and his potential fit with Dallas:
Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Height: 6035
Weight: 263
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.64-4.68
Recruiting: 4-star recruit, No. 43 ranked prospect, No. 6 ranked DL
College Production: 39 games, 41.5 tackles for a loss, 21.5 sacks, 6 FF, 6 FR, 4 PD
Positives:
- Looks the part of an NFL defensive end. And has the frame to add more weight and keep athleticism, if needed.
- Good size for the position. And knows how to use his length to his advantage as a pass rusher.
- Powerful player with strong hands that can knock back offensive tackles. Lethal long-arm.
- Forced six fumbles during the 2024 season. Uses his hands as a weapon when he punches at the ball.
- Projects as a dominant EDGE setting defender in the NFL.
- Very young player (21) who still has a lot of room to grow.
In a class with so many smaller EDGE rushers, Parker’s size and strength stand out. He has NFL power and knows how to use it. His production is off the charts, and he has multiple years of experience. The fact that he was so dominant during the Senior Bowl practices is a good reminder of how talented he is and what he might be able to be at the next level.
Negatives:
- Does not have the bend or burst of a first-round EDGE rusher.
- Good athlete, but not special. Top-end tackles won’t be threatened by his speed at all.
- Needs to develop more counters. Relies on power and long-arm too often and can get shut down by stronger tackles.
- Doesn’t really have much of a pass-rush plan other than to try to run over offensive tackles.
- Would like to see more effort and urgency in the run game when the ball doesn’t go his way.
- Doesn’t have the pass-rush upside to be a dominant player in the NFL. And that lowers his upside as a prospect.
While Parker’s production and power can’t be denied, there is some concern about where he is as an NFL pass rusher. His lack of a pass-rush plan and counters could cause him to struggle at the next level. Parker should be able to contribute as a run defender right away, but he’s not as polished as you would want as a pass-rusher for a likely first-round pick.
T.J. Parker NFL Player Comparison: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, Miami Dolphins
Chubb was an early-round pick during the 2018 NFL Draft and has had a nice career when he’s stayed healthy. Chubb has never had more than 12 sacks in a season, but he’s been a good starting defensive end for several years and has been just as good against the run as he has been against the pass.
No one would mistake Chubb as a top 10 EDGE in the NFL, but he’s provided a ton of value to his teams over the years. Parker is similar in size and athleticism and could have a similar career arc at the next level.
T.J. Parker Fit With The Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are in a transition on defense with Christian Parker now in charge of the unit, so it’s a bit of a mystery as to exactly what they want on defense. The expectation is that Dallas will want players who can drop into coverage and play in space more often, which doesn’t exactly describe Parker.
However, there will always be a need for powerful defensive ends who can stop the run and push the pocket. He’s going to need to develop more pass-rush moves in order to be an effective rusher at the next level, but he could start right away for the Cowboys and give them more power on the edge.
T.J. Parker NFL Draft Grade: Late Round 1
There is a lot to like about Parker, and there are reasons to be optimistic about his NFL future. After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Parker has quieted some of the concerns after a disappointing 2025 season. But his 2024 season was phenomenal, and he’s one of the most productive players in the draft.
It’s clear that Parker is a highly motivated player, and he’s going to be a useful asset to whatever franchise drafts him. But his lack of top-end traits and pass-rush moves limits his ceiling right now. For that reason, he’s more of a late first-round pick than a top-15 selection. He’s certainly in the conversation for the Cowboys at pick No. 20, as he is one of the most complete defensive linemen in this year’s draft.