As March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top 100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks on defense who fit Dennis Allen's scheme.
After not adding an edge rusher in free agency, the Bears could use one of their top-100 selections on an edge rusher to pair with veteran Montez Sweat and third-year player Austin Booker. One name who should really intrigue Chicago is Clemson Tigers edge rusher T.J. Parker.
Let's get into our scouting report on Parker.
T.J. Parker, Clemson, (6-foot-4, 263 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Powerful edge defender with NFL length whose 2025 tape might be closer to his pro projection than his gaudy 2024 numbers. Parker's hand work is above average in both phases. He strikes early to set very firm edges, then sheds quickly to finish tackles. Average short-area burst limits his ability to pursue the run in space and threaten tackles in a race to the top of the rush. He can long-arm tackles into the pocket when he catches them right, but he fails to find quick solutions when that approach stalls. His rush production will be muted until he expands his approach but improvement is likely. Parker profiles as an average to above-average starter."
Film:
Strengths:
- Violent with his hands at the point of attack, especially as a player who wants to impose his will.
- Sheds blocks quickly as he continues getting into the backfield.
- One of Clemson's most consistent players on defense over the last few years.
- Powerful punch when trying to dislodge the football.
- Has the ability to set a hard edge and collapse the pocket.
- Tracks the ball carrier with a purpose while his eyes always remain set on the quarterback.
- Football instincts show up on film.
- Physicality and tenacity are always on display as a player who brings juice to the defense.
Weaknesses:
- Pursuit speed is average when tasked with running from sideline to sideline.
- Has to add more variety to his toolbox of pass rush moves.
- Gets washed out of the play on down blocks and fails to recover.
- Inconsistent as an open field tackler, especially against shiftier skill players.
- Average burst works against him against offensive tackles with quicker feet.
Does Parker fit the Bears defense?
The Bears should be enamored with Parker's production and his skill set. He's a solid athlete with the makings of a good player, but the average pursuit speed will hurt the impact he can have early on. His physicality is a clear asset, and the hustle mentality he plays with on every rep are what Chicago looks for in good football players, but the Bears also have to recognize that he isn't going to be an instant contributor in year one and that he will take time to develop.
Conclusion:
Parker is a smart, well-rounded player who maintains his gap on every play. Overall, he's a disciplined athlete who figures out a way to get the job done, espeically when the ball comes his way.
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