Could DE T.J. Parker Be the Game-Changer the Browns Have Been Waiting For in 2026?

Last season, the Cleveland Browns’ defensive end lineup was stacked—boasting standout talents like Myles Garrett, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Sam Kamara, and Cameron Thomas. Each player brought a unique skill set to the table, yet the pressing question lingered: are these defenders truly intimidating quarterbacks? Do offensive coordinators find themselves reshuffling their game plans to counter these edge rushers? Since Andrew Berry took the helm as Browns GM, he’s been on a mission to find that complementary pass rusher to Garrett, trying out names like Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith, but the definitive answer might just be waiting in this year’s draft. Enter T.J. Parker from Clemson—a freshman sensation at the Senior Bowl whose lightning-fast moves and relentless aggression caught everyone’s eye. With the Browns holding two first-round picks, snagging Parker at #24 could be the game-changer they’ve been craving to ignite their pass rush. Curious to know more about this potential powerhouse? LEARN MORE.

The Cleveland Browns had plenty of defensive ends on the roster last season. Besides the All-World talent of Myles Garrett, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Sam Kamara, and Cameron Thomas.

All of these guys have their own methods and abilities. But do they strike fear into opposing quarterbacks? Does an offensive coordinator make notes and adjustments in their game plan around any of these defenders?

Since Andrew Berry was hired as the Browns GM, he had attempted to fill that other bookend pass rusher role for a double-end snake attack, but with minimal results. Jadeveon Clowney, Porter Gustin, Za’Darius Smith, Chase Winovich, Ogbo Okoronkwo, plus Wright and McGuire have all been inserted on the opposite side of Garrett, looking for that 1-2 power punch.

That can be solved in this year’s NFL draft by selecting EDGE rusher T.J. Parker out of Clemson in the bottom of the first round.

Parker was at the Senior Bowl this year and was spectacular. He and Missouri DE Zion Young were the only two defensive linemen that the best offensive line prospects could not block in the 1-on-1 drills.

Parker is a sudden pass rusher who has a long reach and is an aggressive defender. He had 16.5 sacks in his final two college seasons and is quick with his 4.65 speed. He uses active counters and has a knack for stripping the football on run downs. Uncanny knack of reading the backfield and then adjusting his route.

The Browns own the #6 and #24 picks in the first round. If Parker is still sitting there at 24, Cleveland should run to the podium.

Great leverage + long arm pass rush rep here from Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker. He had some strong run defense reps as well. Good first day for him pic.twitter.com/1M4WxI8xJc

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 27, 2026

The Senior Bowl is a great place to see up close some blue-chip talent, along with guys who will be available in the mid-rounds that could help this roster. Parker is a guy that the Browns may be more in need of an offensive guard or a receiver in the bottom of Round 1, but the dude can play with reckless abandon and elevate Cleveland’s pass rush starting in Week 1.

Parker is a good kid, a great character guy, and he has a lot of talent.

Dawgs by Nature staff writer Barry Shuck was at the Senior Bowl this week and spoke to Parker during the practice week.

EDGE T. J. Parker (6’-4”, 263 pounds)

Clemson

Projection: Round 1

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Shuck: The entire NFL universe descends upon the Senior Bowl each year. Between practices, players have interviews with various teams. What is that process like?

Parker: For me, it’s been amazing just being able to talk to teams in general and just let them hear what you know. All of the questions they want to know. This has allowed me to tell them just who I am as a person and as a player and what they are going to get out of me with concise answers. It’s been exciting to reiterate my story and get my foot in the door.

Shuck: What are you saying about the player you are, and what an NFL team should expect if they draft you?

Parker: The first question was what happened to my production during my sophomore and junior years. And it’s simple. In my junior year, we were surrounded by a lot of great talent on defense at Clemson. A lot of those guys made plays. We didn’t have those types of playmakers the year before, and a lot of the production fell on me. Last year, the focus was on me in the offense’s game plan. I am happy our defense played well this year and got in situations to make plays.

Shuck: What do you see yourself doing after football?

Parker: I want to get into broadcasting. I grew up watching “A Football Life” and seeing the Walter Payton story. Every episode showed how these players grew up, and it was a history of football. The production of these stories really caught my eye. I have always wanted to do movies and documentaries and be in front of the camera. All that stuff has intrigued me.

Shuck: What are your strengths as a pass rusher?

Parker: First of all, I want to say that I play the run very well. My philosophy is you can’t rush the passer unless you can stop the run. And I pride myself on the way I can play the run. And from there I would say my power. My get-off is everything. So, I set everything up with power, and I work off that, just having great hand usage. Active hands are what I continue to work on and my get-off. I just fly around and have fun.

Shuck: How do you use your length?

Parker: It all depends on what type of set the offensive line gives me. I’ll always try to set up most of my moves with power. I start off with power. You can work off speed and your counter moves. I just try to get a feel for the tackle early on in the game, and from there it’s just a mind thing.

Shuck: Do you have a favorite power move?

Parker: I like the forklift. Once I get control of the guy, just be able to control his outside arm. Then I’m able to do whatever with it, and I could pull it through, push it over, or I can club back inside.

Shuck: You mentioned stopping the run. As an EDGE player, what are the most important things to stop the run?

Parker: First of all, you are the edge of the defense. Nothing can get outside you. You have to play with your length and be a fast learner. You need violent hands and be able to escape blocks quickly. You don’t want an offensive lineman to hold onto you because then that’s how you get reached. You don’t want none of that. So, you want to play with length and play violent. It starts with stopping the run.

Shuck: What will NFL coaches and scouts be saying about you when they leave the Senior Bowl?

Parker: That I play a balanced game. I don’t want to be a one-dimensional guy. I want to be a guy who can play all four downs. I want them to know I am a great locker room guy. Someone who is always willing to learn and soak up information from the vets. Somebody who’s going to improve the room, whether that’s on the field or off the field, spiritually or mentally. Somebody who is ready to work with boots on the ground, ready to go.