The NFL Scouting Combine is less than three weeks away.
So it’s time to dive into more potential prospects that the Chicago Bears can consider for their No. 25 overall pick. Since there are plenty of edge rushers that could be available in the back end of the first round, that is where the focus will be for this draft profile.
Here’s an in-depth look at Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker.
T.J. Parker’s scouting report for Bears
School: University of Clemson
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 260 pounds
Projected Draft Range: Round 1 or 2
Age: 21 (9/19/2004)
Stats (Pro Football Focus)
- 2025: 41 Total QB Pressures, 6 Sacks, 21 Tackles, 548 Total Defensive Snaps
- 2024: 51 Total QB Pressures, 12 Sacks, 29 Tackles, 640 Total Defensive Snaps
- 2023: 35 Total QB Pressures, 6 Sacks, 25 Tackles, 464 Total Defensive Snaps
Scouting Report
Games Watched: 2025 Week 12 @ Louisville, Week 14 @ South Carolina
Strengths
In the two games watched, Parker showed a willingness to try different pass-rush moves. Everything from a long-arm, bullrush, Euro Step to evade blocked and even a jump chop club move, which you see players like Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn utilize. Parker has the skill set to deploy a variety of pass-rush techniques at any moment, which should keep blockers honest.
Watching Clemson DE T.J. Parker.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 6, 2026
Here he is in the game against South Carolina. He finished with 10 total pressures and four sacks.
Nice job here getting by the RT, keeps his feet and hands moving to close in on the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/tpFpXKCS2N
As a run defender, Parker consistently got his hands into opposing offensive linemen’s pads and was able to shed blocks to get off blocks. That allowed Parker to find ball carriers and make tackles.
Watching Clemson DE T.J. Parker.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 6, 2026
Here he is in the game against South Carolina. He finished with 10 total pressures and four sacks.
Nice job here getting by the RT, keeps his feet and hands moving to close in on the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/tpFpXKCS2N
Against South Carolina in Week 14, he finished with 10 total pressures and four sacks, and the Gamecocks were forced to chip and utilize extra blockers. Parker showed great effort fighting through those obstacles.
Weaknesses
Although Parker has a variety of moves he can use against opposing offensive linemen, he needs to work on his counter so his pass rush doesn't stop if his initial move doesn't work.
As a run defender, there were times when he would lean in with his shoulder to collapse gaps, but that would also cause him to take his eyes off the ball carrier. Refining his technique will help in this area of his game.
There were also times when he didn't create as much knockback on his initial collision with blockers. He has the frame to generate more power, but needs to show it more consistently.
Bears Fit
Parker fits what the Bears need from a defensive end. At just 21 years old, he has a variety of moves he can continue to refine to help him get to opposing quarterbacks.
His quick hands to get off blocks make him an asset in the run game, but he will have to learn to use his strength consistently to set the edge.
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If he's available at pick No. 25, it wouldn't be a surprise if general manager Ryan Poles identifies him as a player he would like to add to the team.