T.J. Parker was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the No. 35 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is the third Clemson player selected this year, following Blake Miller and Peter Woods.
Key points
T.J. Parker drafted No. 35 by Buffalo Bills
Third Clemson player selected in 2026 NFL Draft
Recorded 144 tackles and 21.5 sacks at Clemson
Best season in 2024 with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles
Strong finish to college career helped solidify draft position
T.J. Parker’s path to the NFL hit a big moment Friday night when the Buffalo Bills took the former Clemsonfootball defensive end with the No. 35 pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He became the third Clemson player selected this year, following first-rounders Blake Miller and Peter Woods, continuing a strong showing for the program.
Parker built his reputation on steady production and disruption. Over 39 games, he totaled 144 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks, while also forcing and recovering six fumbles. By the end of his career, he ranked among Clemson’s top 10 in sacks and near the top in fumble recoveries.
His best season came in 2024, when he recorded 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, along with a school-record six forced fumbles. That performance earned him All-American honors and put him in the same conversation as Clemson’s top defensive seasons in recent years.
His numbers dipped in 2025, but he closed strong. In the regular-season finale against South Carolina, Parker turned in one of his top performances with three sacks, multiple tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery, a showing that helped solidify his draft position.
From a fast start to a standout sophomore season and a strong finish, Parker did enough in three years to hear his name called early on Day 2. Now, he heads to Buffalo looking to carve out a role at the next level.
The kind of edge rusher you'll jump through a table for.
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) April 24, 2026
New @BuffaloBills EDGE T.J. Parker made sure to shake the hand of every media member before his press conference 👏
What position does T.J. Parker play for the Buffalo Bills?
T.J. Parker plays as an outside linebacker (OLB) for the Buffalo Bills.
What were T.J. Parker's college stats at Clemson?
At Clemson, T.J. Parker recorded 144 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks over 39 games.
Why was T.J. Parker considered a top draft pick?
T.J. Parker was considered a top draft pick due to his impressive college performance, including a standout season in 2024 with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles.
How many Clemson players were drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Three Clemson players were drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, including T.J. Parker, Blake Miller, and Peter Woods.
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