T.J. Parker Makes a Statement at Senior Bowl, and the Bucs Should Be Watching Closely
The Senior Bowl has long been a proving ground for NFL hopefuls-a place where draft stocks rise and fall with every rep. And on Day 1 in Mobile, Clemson edge rusher T.J.
Parker wasted no time making his presence felt. The 21-year-old came in with buzz, and he left the field looking like one of the most polished and powerful defenders on the turf.
Parker, who spent three seasons wrecking backfields for the Tigers, looks like a player ready to take the next step. And for a team like Tampa Bay, sitting at No. 15 in the 2026 NFL Draft and in desperate need of pass-rushing help, he might just be the right fit at the right time.
Power, Maturity, and a Plan for Growth
Parker’s game starts with power. That’s the word he used himself when asked to define his biggest strength, and it shows up on tape and in person.
During Tuesday’s practice, he showcased his ability to convert speed to power, using his length and leverage to overwhelm offensive linemen. One rep in particular-a long-arm bull rush that put the left tackle on skates-turned heads and drew praise from scouts and analysts alike.
But what makes Parker stand out isn’t just his physical tools. It’s how he talks about his game.
He’s self-aware, mature beyond his years, and already thinking like a pro. When asked about areas he wants to improve, he pointed to his angles-specifically how he reads and reacts to different offensive line sets.
That’s the kind of detail-oriented mindset coaches love to work with.
And it’s not just talk. Parker’s production at Clemson backs it up: 21.5 sacks, 41.5 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, and six recoveries in three seasons.
Those numbers don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of a relentless motor and a commitment to the finer points of the game.
A Student of the Best
Parker isn’t shy about who he models his game after. He mentioned Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and Khalil Mack-three of the most disruptive edge defenders in the league.
And it’s Mack, in particular, whose game mirrors Parker’s most closely. Both are nearly identical in size, and both rely on a blend of power, hand usage, and instincts to win at the point of attack.
That comparison isn’t just flattering-it’s instructive. Parker’s still refining his craft, but the foundation is there. He’s already showing flashes of the kind of player who can anchor a defensive front and change the tone of a game with one play.
Tampa Bay’s Pass Rush Needs a Spark-Parker Could Be It
Let’s talk about the Bucs for a second. Their outside linebacker room is thin-very thin.
Yaya Diaby is the only edge rusher with a locked-in role heading into next season. Haason Reddick is a pending free agent.
Anthony Nelson is a rotational piece. Chris Braswell hasn’t developed beyond special teams.
Simply put, this group is crying out for a young, high-upside pass rusher.
Enter T.J. Parker.
If Tampa Bay uses the 15th pick on Parker, they’re not just drafting a depth piece-they’re adding a player who could immediately slot in as the No. 3 edge rusher with the potential to grow into a cornerstone. He wouldn’t need to carry the pass rush from Day 1, but he’d bring juice, physicality, and upside to a unit that’s lacked a true game-wrecker off the edge for years.
And Parker’s already shown he can create chaos. In 2024, he posted career highs across the board, including six forced fumbles-a number that speaks to his knack for disrupting plays and creating turnovers.
That’s not by accident, either. Parker talked about how Clemson drilled turnover creation into their daily routine.
“Every day, regardless of if you get a turnover that week or not, we always work on forcing the ball out,” he said. “It’s just a habit.
We had a period-it’s called turnover circuit. Even during walk-throughs or installs, we’re always trying to rake at the ball.”
That kind of muscle memory doesn’t fade. It translates-and it’s exactly what the Bucs could use more of.
The Ceiling Is High-and He’s Just Getting Started
Right now, Parker projects as a complementary piece. But the ceiling?
It’s much higher than that. With the right coaching and a little refinement, he has all the traits to become a featured edge rusher in the NFL.
Whether that journey begins in Tampa Bay remains to be seen. But if the Bucs are serious about retooling their front seven and finding a long-term answer on the edge, they’d be wise to keep a close eye on No. 3 in Mobile this week.
Because T.J. Parker isn’t just showing up at the Senior Bowl-he’s showing out.