T.J. Parker

Draft Projection

Measurements

Athletic Testing

College Statistics

Scouting Report

Classic high-floor, refined technician and one of the best run-defending defensive ends in the class with violent shedding ability and nearly impossible to move when setting an edge. Recorded 20 TFLs and 11 sacks in 2024 with a school-record 6 forced fumbles. His lack of elite burst and bend around the corner limits his ceiling but his technique makes him a reliable contributor.

Player Comparison

Strengths

• Devastating hand usage and timing when shedding blocks - consistently creates separation with violent punch and active counters that leave tackles grasping at air.
• Natural ball-dislodger with exceptional timing - six forced fumbles in 2024 wasn't luck but rather calculated violence and precise targeting at the catch point.
• Sets a firm edge against the run with excellent length and functional strength, controlling blockers before shedding to make plays in his gap.
• Advanced technician for his age with refined pass rush plan - sequences moves together fluently while maintaining leverage throughout his rush arc.
• Consistent production against elite competition - stepped up in biggest moments including multiple TFLs against Texas in the College Football Playoff.
• Exceptional football IQ and spatial awareness - diagnoses screen plays quickly and adjusts rush paths to avoid losing contain responsibilities.
• Shows nasty competitive demeanor when challenged - elevates intensity after getting chipped and plays with visible mean streak against rival offensive linemen.
• Versatile alignment potential - effective rushing from two-point stance or with hand in dirt, offering valuable scheme flexibility at the next level.

Areas to Improve

• First-step explosiveness lacks elite juice - wins more with technique and timing than pure twitch off the snap, limiting his ceiling as a speed rusher.
• Inconsistent motor that runs hot and cold depending on game situation - will abandon backside pursuit when plays break away from his side.
• Occasionally plays with pad level too high, negating his natural leverage advantages and making him susceptible to stronger tackles locking him up.
• Coverage responsibilities remain a work in progress - shows stiffness when dropping into space and lacks fluidity when changing direction.
• Tackling technique can get sloppy in space - relies too heavily on arm tackles when working in traffic, leading to missed opportunities in the backfield.