**Scouting T.J. Parker: A Power-First Edge Option for the Cowboys at No.
20? **
As the Dallas Cowboys look to retool their defense under new coordinator Christian Parker, the front office is eyeing help along the defensive line-and one name that continues to surface is Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker.
Once viewed as a surefire top-10 pick after a breakout sophomore campaign, Parker’s stock cooled following a less impactful junior season. But after a strong week at the Senior Bowl, he’s right back in the Round 1 conversation.
Let’s break down what Parker brings to the table, what he still needs to develop, and why he could be a legitimate option for Dallas late in the first round.
T.J. Parker: The Physical Blueprint
At 6-foot-3 and 263 pounds, Parker looks the part of an NFL defensive end the moment he steps off the bus. He’s got the frame to add weight without sacrificing athleticism, and his length and power jump off the tape.
His long-arm move is already NFL-ready-he knows how to convert strength into disruption, especially when he gets into an offensive tackle’s chest. That punch isn't just for show either; he forced six fumbles in 2024 alone, showing a knack for turning pressure into game-changing plays.
Parker’s career production backs up the eye test: 41.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles across 39 college games. He’s not just a flash player-he’s been a consistent force for Clemson over multiple seasons.
And while the 2025 season didn’t match the highs of his sophomore year, his performance at the Senior Bowl reminded everyone what he can do when he’s locked in. He was one of the most physically dominant linemen during practice sessions, bullying tackles with raw power and showing that his traits still translate against top-tier competition.
Where He Wins
Parker thrives at the point of attack. He’s a powerful edge setter who can hold his ground in the run game and collapse the pocket with brute force.
In a draft class filled with lighter, twitchier edge rushers, Parker’s size and strength stand out. He’s the kind of defender who can immediately help a team on early downs and short-yardage situations.
His hand usage is advanced for his age (just 21), and he’s got a physical maturity that suggests he’s only scratching the surface of what he can become. He’s not just a traits guy-he’s been productive, disruptive, and durable.
Where He Needs to Grow
The biggest knock on Parker is his pass-rush ceiling. He’s not the bendy, explosive EDGE who’s going to win with speed around the corner. His get-off is solid, but not elite, and top-tier NFL tackles won’t be overly stressed by his first step.
Right now, his pass-rush plan is limited. He leans heavily on his long-arm and bull rush, and when that doesn’t work, he can get stuck.
Stronger tackles who anchor well can neutralize him, and he hasn’t yet shown the ability to consistently counter or string moves together. That lack of variety limits his upside as a pure pass rusher.
There’s also room for growth in his motor-particularly when plays go away from him. You’d like to see more urgency and second-effort plays, especially in pursuit. That’s something coaching can help unlock, but it’s worth noting.
NFL Comparison: Bradley Chubb
If you’re looking for a current NFL comp, think Bradley Chubb. Like Parker, Chubb came into the league as a power-based edge rusher with a strong build and a well-rounded game.
Chubb’s never been a sack artist, but he’s been a steady, impactful starter who can defend the run and bring enough heat to matter on passing downs. That’s a realistic projection for Parker-maybe not a perennial Pro Bowler, but a high-floor, scheme-versatile starter who gives you toughness and consistency on the edge.
Fit With the Cowboys
The Cowboys' defensive identity is in flux with Dan Quinn gone and Christian Parker taking over. There’s an expectation that Dallas may lean more into hybrid looks and ask their front seven to play more in space. That’s not necessarily Parker’s game-he’s not someone you want dropping into coverage or chasing backs in the flat.
But here’s the thing: power still matters in the trenches. And Dallas could use more of it.
Parker would give them a sturdy edge presence opposite Micah Parsons, someone who can anchor against the run and help collapse the pocket from the strong side. He may not be the flashiest pick, but he could start right away and bring a level of physicality that this front seven could use.
If he’s still on the board at No. 20, he’s absolutely worth a long look.
Draft Grade: Late Round 1
T.J. Parker isn’t the kind of edge rusher who’s going to test off the charts or blow up the combine. But he’s a proven producer with NFL-ready power, a strong foundation of traits, and the kind of physical profile that holds up on Sundays.
His lack of elite burst and refined pass-rush tools likely keep him out of the top 15, but he’s a safe, high-floor pick late in the first round. For a team like Dallas that needs to reestablish toughness up front, Parker could be a plug-and-play contributor with long-term starter potential.
He may not be the headline-grabbing pick, but he could be the kind of steady, reliable defender who helps shape a defense for years to come.