Why Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker makes sense for the Patriots at No. 31

This month, MassLive will look at five options that make sense for the Patriots in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Mike Vrabel’s team holds the No. 31 pick. If they don’t trade up or down, here’s one of the most realistic choices in that spot.

T.J. PARKER, EDGE, CLEMSON

Enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 with 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, 6 forced fumbles, 51 pressures.

He wasn’t quite as good in 2025 (5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 41 pressures) but still has the traits to be effective as an edge rusher at the next level.

He lives in the backfield, as 32.4 percent of his career tackles were for loss. He also set a single-season school record for forced fumbles (6).

Why the pick makes sense: It’s no secret what Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is looking for in his edge defenders.

“I think that there’s got to be a violence,” he said in February at the NFL Scouting Combine. “There’s got to be an ability to move off the football and to create some sort of disruption. You have to be able to factor in on the quarterback. You have to be able to make plays on the football. We know the quarterback is responsible for the most turnovers in football so can they affect the quarterback?

“And then the ability to set the edge, rush and have enough coverage acumen that the few times we ask them to do it, they can do it.”

Parker certainly looks the part.

He’s shown the ability to set the edge, and has the type of explosiveness and power needed to be an effective pass rusher at the next level.

Why it doesn’t: After his breakout season in 2024, Parker wasn’t quite the same player in 2025. His sack production dropped.

Teams paid more attention to him after his All-America sophomore season, so that might impact how the Patriots feel about taking him in the first round.