From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, down to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Duke OT Brian Parker II.
No. 53 BRIAN PARKER II/OT Duke – 6052, 309 POUNDS (SENIOR)
MEASUREMENTS
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
Brian Parker 6052/309 10 32 7/8 78 7/8
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
5.14 1.78 4.80 7.66
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
9’1″ N/A 29
THE GOOD
– Lots of starting experience as a tackle (mostly at RT)
– Outstanding hand placement and punch timing
– Keeps defenders outside of his frame
– Rarely lets rushers get quick pressure
– Efficient vertical sets where he will kick-slide quickly to get to his landmarks
– Excellent recovery and reset ability when he’s initially beaten
– Identifies twists and stunts early
– Adjusts protections quickly
– Keeps shoulders square when passing off rushers
– Good base width to hold his ground
– Strong core and excellent balance
– Takes efficient steps on zone running plays to move laterally
– Clean backside cutoffs
– Ability to reach defenders on outside zone runs
– Consistent leg drive through the rep
– Potential to be a 5-position offensive lineman
– No injury history
THE BAD
– Lacks ideal arm length for an offensive tackle
– Well below average wingspan
– While technically sound, he doesn’t create vertical displacement
– Wins more with leverage than brute force as a run blocker
– Occasionally plays too upright with his pad level rising
– Loses leverage at times with shorter, stout defensive tackles
– Can allow defenders to get into his chest too often
– Drops his head too often, leading to whiffing or lunging
– Quick edge defenders can threaten the arc if he doesn’t set with enough depth
– When beaten outside, he can be grabby and get holding penalties
– Must be an interior lineman in the NFL if he wants to start
– Will need to gain more mass and lower body strength to hold up as an interior lineman
– Strike timing has to be more consistent
STATS
– Played in 40 games and started 33 (32 at RT and 1 at LT) over his 4-year career at Duke University
– 2,335 total snaps (1,951 RT, 379 LT)
– Career: 4 sacks allowed, 4 hits allowed, 31 hurries allowed, 10 penalties
– 98.3 pass blocking efficiency rating
– 2025: 3 sacks allowed, 2 hits, 15 hurries allowed, 4 penalties
– 97.7 pass blocking efficiency rating
– PFF: 83.4 Pass Block Grade, 83.9 Run Block Grade, 76.9 True Pass Set Grade (96.1 pass blocking efficiency rating, 89.4 Zone Run Block Grade (253 snaps); 58.2 Gap Run Block Grade (93 snaps)
INJURY HISTORY
None.
BACKGROUND
– DOB: 1/6/04 (22 years old)
– From Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended St. Xavier High School
– 2024-25 2nd Team All-American
– 2025 1st Team All-ACC & Team Captain
– 2024 2nd Team All-ACC
– 2023-2024 Academic All-ACC Team
– 3-star H.S. prospect according to 247Sports (the No. 5 center in the nation)
– Won a state title during junior season
– Team Captain in his senior season
– Also lettered two seasons in lacrosse
– Graduated in December 2025 with a degree in economics
– Paternal grandfather (Barry Parker) lettered three years in basketball at Bucknell University
– His cousin, Dereck Lively II, played one season of men’s basketball at Duke (2022-23) before the Dallas Mavericks selected him in the 1st round of the NBA draft in the 1st round
– Fishing is his greatest source of relaxation
– Began playing football in 3rd grade
– Expressed at the Shrine Bowl a willingness to move to the interior, either at guard or center, in the NFL
TAPE BREAKDOWN
Brian Parker II was a steadfast, reliable right tackle for the Duke Blue Devils for the past 4 years. He’s a technically advanced guy with great hands, solid footwork, and good athletic ability to play anywhere on the offensive line. His pass-protection skills are excellent and would be his biggest calling card for possible success in the NFL. You can tell he really spends a lot of time with film study. The biggest drawbacks with him are his arm-length limitation, which will necessitate him playing on the interior, lack of width, and deficient lower-body power and drive.
His pass-protection abilities are just as impressive pre-snap as they are post-snap. Look at his wide base, steady and inside hands, to hold his anchor against a bull rusher from the outside.
pic.twitter.com/lVhFFIPc4Q
— Happy Days (@Jh86Guy) March 7, 2026
This guy isn’t all finesse, though. He has the grip and upper-body strength to hold guys off and toss them aside like a bouncer.
pic.twitter.com/PDujzY50Vc
— Happy Days (@Jh86Guy) March 7, 2026
I really like his eyes, body control, and ability to square in his stance when adjusting to twists and stunts coming his way. You can tell he puts in the work to study what defenses and rushers are doing.
pic.twitter.com/pW7W2VlUsq
— Happy Days (@Jh86Guy) March 7, 2026
Parker II is an above-average zone run blocker when he gets out in space. He’s easily able to get to the second level and does a nice job of staying on his feet to maintain contact throughout the rep.
pic.twitter.com/FHQNga7j9q
— Happy Days (@Jh86Guy) March 7, 2026
His length concerns come into play with pass rushers who have long arms and the power to move him. I don’t see him being able to hold up in the NFL as a tackle. It’s very noticeable when you watch his games that the speed-to-power pass-rushers give him fits all game. They are going to be more prevalent at the next level. It was good to see him play guard and center at the Shrine Bowl, where he looked right at home.
pic.twitter.com/eq6kOYLVqh
— Happy Days (@Jh86Guy) March 7, 2026
CONCLUSION
Brian Parker II was a great right tackle in college. He has upside as a pass-protector who could thrive in an outside zone and play-action heavy offenses. This is a smart guy who picks up things quickly and works hard. If he’s going to move to center, it may not be as big an adjustment as others who make the transition, because he played the position in high school.
Mike McCarthy and James Campen are known for turning tackles in college into guards in the NFL, and Parker II could be the next in line to do that in Pittsburgh if that’s what they’re looking for. His move to guard would require more physical improvements than mental because, technically, he has all the tools to succeed there. At worst, he’s a swing offensive lineman who can come in and play any position they ask him to at first.
I really liked a prospect several years ago who he looks and plays like: Robert Hainsey, when he was coming out of Notre Dame. He played right tackle in college and made the switch to center in the NFL, but was also a really good athlete who just lacked the length to hold up as a tackle. I could see a similar path for Parker II as a high-floor guard or center who excels as a pass-protector and could be a solid run blocker if he’s in the right scheme for his skillset.
NFL Projection: Late Day 2 – Early Day 3
Steelers Depot Draft Grade: 7.8 (Spot Starter)
Grade Range: 7.6-8.3
Games Watched: at Clemson 2025), at California (2025), vs NC State (2024), vs Virginia Tech (2024)
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