The Buffalo Bills drafted Clemson Tigers EDGE rusher T.J. Parker 35th overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After a breakout 2024 campaign, Parker had a down junior season, recording 37 tackles and career lows of 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 12 games, along with 41 pressures, a 15.4% pass-rush win rate, 14 run stops, and a 7.6% stop rate. He wrapped up his three-year stint at Clemson, totaling 126 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, 127 pressures, and 86 total stops.
Parker is expected to play a key role in the rotation as the top backup pass rusher behind Gregory Rousseau and Bradley Chubb. This comes as A.J. Epenesa and Joey Bosa remain unsigned, while Michael Hoecht is recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury.
Buffalo Bills’ pass rusher in position to succeed in Year 1
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Detailed view of Buffalo Bills helmet on the field prior to the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Detailed view of Buffalo Bills helmet on the field prior to the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
In an NFL.com article, Tom Blair identified ten rookies in position to succeed in Year 1 and beyond. He named T.J. Parker, noting that he will not be forced into a starting job as a rookie and instead serve as a backup behind Gregory Rousseau and Bradley Chubb.Blair also notes that, with Chubb having no guaranteed money after Year 2 of his contract, Parker could see an expanded role down the stretch and potentially take over the starting job later on.
“Why get excited about someone who looks like a backup pass-rushing option behind Gregory Rousseau and Bradley Chubb? Well, in part because Rousseau and Chubb’s presence means the Bills won’t need to force Parker’s development. At the same time, Chubb is turning 30 this summer and is on a three-year deal that includes no more guaranteed money after Year 2, per Over The Cap. So there should be plenty of room for Parker to claim a larger role down the road,” Blair said.
“And, of course, Parker will have the chance to do plenty right away even while playing behind Rousseau and Chubb. As Sal Maiorana of theDemocrat and Chronicle pointed out, Parker is suited for the 3-4 scheme that new coordinator Jim Leonhard is implementing. And Mike Hoecht will be less than a year removed from a torn Achilles. The Bills haven’t ranked in the top 10 in QB pressure rate since 2022, per Next Gen Stats, and they could really use a long-term partner for Rousseau.”