Buffalo Bills pick Clemson's T.J. Parker in round two
Clemson has its third selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Friday night former Tiger defensive end T.J. Parker was selected by the Buffalo Bills in round two as the 35th pick of the draft.
Former Tigers (OL) Blake Miller and (DT) Peter Woods were taken previously in round one on Thursday with Miller going 17th overall to the Detroit Lions and Woods coming off the board at 29th overall by way of the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney following Parker’s selection: “T.J. Parker is unique. He’s long, he’s strong. He can really, really run at his size and he’s got the ability and the power to bull rush people, but he’s also got the speed and the tools to be a really, really good pass rusher. He had a bunch of sacks in his three-year career, and he’s still a developing player.
“He’s a graduate in three years, which I think demonstrates his commitment and how he’s managed his time and things like that to be an elite football player while also graduating from college in three years. It’s not easy to do. He’s a high-level talent that will be ready to play the day he gets there.”
Parker, as expected, concluded his Clemson career after three seasons with the Tigers, joining Woods in forgoing his senior year.
Like Woods, Parker is an Alabama native and former Rivals100 member, who came to Clemson with high expectations.
“T.J. Parker is not only an unbelievable player, but he’s a great young man, son and husband,” said Clemson defensive ends coach Chris Rumph. “He will be a blessing to their locker room and organization. He can do whatever you want at the highest level anywhere on the football field. Not only can he rush the passer, but he can play the run. He is relentless coming off the edge or anywhere you align him. I can’t wait to see him on Sundays.”
Parker, a Freshman All-American by multiple publications, played in 39 career games (29 starts) where he logged over 1,600 snaps. He finished his collegiate career with 144 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks.
Rivals rated Parker 37th nationally overall regardless of position out of high school. The network also tabbed him fourth nationally among edge players and fourth overall regardless of position in the state of Alabama.
Parker becomes the 89th player drafted in the Swinney era.
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Clemson has now had at least one player drafted for 24 consecutive years, including at least one first-round selection in 11 of the last 14 years.
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