The Buffalo Bills selected linebacker TJ Parker as their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 35 overall after trading back three times in the first round. Parker, from Clemson, is expected to attract significant attention as he joins the team.
Key points
Buffalo Bills selected TJ Parker as their top pick
Parker is a linebacker from Clemson
Bills traded back three times in the first round
Parker was picked at No. 35 overall
He has more tackles for loss than games played
Mentioned in this story
Clemson
TJ ParkerBuffalo BillsNFL Draft 2026
The Buffalo Bills began their 2026 NFL Draft journey with TJ Parker.
Because the team traded back three time in the first round on Thursday, their eventual top pick was not made until Round 2 at No. 35 overall. The Bills landed on the Clemson linebacker there.
As Buffalo's top draft pick, plenty of eyes will be on Parker in quick fashion. Because of that, you'll want to get to know him now.
Here are six things to know about Parker:
More TFLs than games played
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
The Bills landed a player with at least one impressive statistic on his resume. He played in 39 games at Clemson and had more tackles for loss than games played with 41.5. Parker also had 21.5 sacks.
'Experts' split
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive lineman TJ Parker (DL55) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Q&A
Who is TJ Parker and what position does he play?
TJ Parker is a linebacker from Clemson, selected by the Buffalo Bills as their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What was the Buffalo Bills' draft strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Buffalo Bills traded back three times in the first round before selecting TJ Parker in Round 2 at No. 35 overall.
Why is TJ Parker considered a significant pick for the Bills?
TJ Parker is viewed as a significant pick due to his impressive performance, having more tackles for loss than games played during his college career.
What round did the Bills select TJ Parker in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Buffalo Bills selected TJ Parker in Round 2 at No. 35 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive lineman TJ Parker (DL55) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
While he does have those promising numbers, Parker does have NFL draft "experts" split. Some like those numbers and see the potential.
However, others look more toward the 2025 campaign for him. The entire Clemson program took a step back, including Parker. That has created some doubters.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with TJ Parker before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with TJ Parker before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.
An annual tradition of the pre-draft process is comparing prospects to current NFL players. That happened to Parker and one of them was interesting. At The Ringer, Parker saw a comparison to Bradley Chubb, his new teammate in Buffalo.
Army kid
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 30: Defensive end T.J. Parker #3 of the Clemson Tigers yells in excitement before the game against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie Januck/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 30: Defensive end T.J. Parker #3 of the Clemson Tigers yells in excitement before the game against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie Januck/Getty Images)
Parker's father was in the Army for 11 years. Growing up, he moved around a bit but landed on playing high school in football in Phenix City, Alabama. His head coach there was Patrick Nix, the father of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
Versatile skill set
Nov 8, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) runs near Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker (3) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard - GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) runs near Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker (3) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard - GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Clemson put Parker all over the place on their defense. With the Bills moving to a 3-4 front, he'll be listed as an outside linebacker. But if a 4-3 front comes about, Parker would not have an issue going into a 4-3 defensive end position.
Married man
Parker, 21, has scrubbed most of his social media prior to the draft. Probably a smart move. What has he left? Parker comes to Buffalo as a married man, which makes him come off as a mature individual.