Sports
Paul Skenes takes perfect game into 7th inning, loses it on grounder from Jake Bauers
Yahoo Sports
NFLRecap
National reactions: Did Bills land steal in TJ Parker at No. 35 pick?
TL;DR
The Buffalo Bills selected linebacker TJ Parker with the 35th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading out of Round 1. Early reactions are positive, with many considering Parker a steal due to his impressive college stats despite a dip in his team's performance last year.
Key points
- Buffalo Bills selected TJ Parker with the 35th pick
- Parker is a linebacker and edge defender
- He recorded 21.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss in college
- National reactions to the pick are mostly positive
- The Bills traded out of Round 1 before making the selection
Mentioned in this story
Clemson
TJ ParkerBuffalo Bills2026 NFL Draft
The Buffalo Bills finally got their name on the scoreboard while taking one off of the draft board at the 2026 NFL Draft with the selection of TJ Parker. Parker, a linebacker and edge defender in the new defensive scheme coming under coordinator Jim Leonard, comes to Buffalo after the team traded out of Round 1 on Thursday. Early reactions from around the football world are mostly good on the Clemson product coming to the Bills. Parker recorded 21.5 sacks, 41.5 tackles for a loss, four pass deflections, and six forced fumbles over 39 career games. That's good production, so why is Parker not a first-round pick? Clemson's entire football program took a rare step back in 2025. Parker was part of that, but the year prior, he had a better showing. The Bills appear to be banking on that version of Parker and the football world does not mind it once bit. Here is a roundup of national media reaction to the Bills' selection of Parker:
Reactions: Bills select LB T.J. Parker at No. 35
TJ Parker to the Bills
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 24, 2026
Reactions: Bills select LB T.J. Parker at No. 35
.@BuffaloBills@ClemsonFB edge master; TJ Parker is a Bill ; an Buffalo Bill. hello #billsmafia#BaldysBreakdowspic.twitter.com/FPouRjlUWp
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 24, 2026
Q&A
Why did the Buffalo Bills select TJ Parker at No. 35?
The Bills selected TJ Parker to enhance their defense, banking on his previous strong performances despite a downturn in his team's overall success.
What are TJ Parker's college stats?
TJ Parker recorded 21.5 sacks, 41.5 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, and six forced fumbles over 39 career games at Clemson.
How did national media react to the Bills drafting TJ Parker?
National media reactions have been mostly positive, with many analysts praising the Bills for landing a potential steal in Parker.
What position does TJ Parker play for the Buffalo Bills?
TJ Parker plays as a linebacker and edge defender for the Buffalo Bills.
