Duke’s 2026 NFL Draft class may not have been loaded with early-round buzz, but Brian Parker II is already in position to stick in Cincinnati.
ESPN’s Ben Baby reported that the Duke rookie offensive lineman is on track to make the Bengals’ 53-man roster as a reserve guard. As Baby put it, “Parker will make the squad as a reserve guard,” and added, “He has played with the second-team offense in camp in that role.”
That’s a strong development for Parker, who went to the Bengals in the sixth round with the No. 189 pick. In a draft where Wesley Williams was Duke’s highest-selected player at fourth round and the Blue Devils had no draftees in 2025, Parker’s path into an NFL roster spot stands out.
For Cincinnati, Parker profiles as depth behind Joe Burrow and the rest of the offense. He may not be in line for regular snaps as a rookie, but he gives the Bengals insurance if injuries hit up front. If a starter goes down, Parker could be one of the first linemen asked to step in.
At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Parker brings size and versatility, with the ability to play inside or outside. He spent four seasons at Duke and appeared in 40 games, building the kind of resume that helped him land on a Day 3 NFL roster.
It may not be the flashiest rookie role, but for a sixth-round pick, making the 53-man roster is a meaningful first step. Parker is expected to begin his pro career as a backup guard, and that alone gives Duke another player with an NFL foothold.
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