T.J. Parker Scouting Report

With phenomenal power and strength displayed on all downs, T.J. Parker is one of the highest floor defenders in this class.

Draft Grade: Round 3 - Adequate Starter

Strengths:

Elite Functional Strength/Power: The crown jewel and foundation of his game, Parker demonstrates violent power and elite strength at and through the point of attack. 

Controls Run Game: Very difficult to displace. Heavy-handed and technically proficient. Plays long and assertively against all run schemes. Violently gets off blocks.

Translatability: The physical strength he shows in both phases points to his ‘safety’ as a draft prospect. Will be an instant contributor just with what he’s already got.

Pass-Rush Repertoire: There remains room to grow from a consistency standpoint, but Parker’s got a variety of effective pass-rush moves he can get to. Even past his power moves, he’s a natural rusher.

Concerns:

High-End Athleticism: While he’s not lacking any movement skills, you wish you’d see a higher athletic profile. The athlete doesn’t jump off the tape consistently.

Lack of Sack Production: Throughout Parker's career, he has lacked the ability to consistently apply pressure and get sacks on the quarterback, resulting in limited overall sack production.

Pass-Rush Angles: At this point in Parker's development, the majority of his pass-rush plan is centered around utilizing power and working through the offensive lineman, seeking to make contact with the offensive lineman. Parker could benefit from taking better angles to force the offensive lineman to be a better athlete and move off their spot, so he doesn't have to rely on power to win.