The Buffalo Bills stuck to their usual script this year, trading down multiple times and prioritizing defensive help.
Did the Bills make the right move with their first selection?
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 35
There’s been a narrative on social media that T.J. Parker lacks speed as a pass rusher. That doesn’t show up on film.
I’ve watched nearly every snap of Parker’s career and wholeheartedly disagree with the idea that he lacks speed in his rushes.
Anyone who has actually watched him play knows he relies on speed at the point of attack, and his 4.68 speed shows up on film more often than not.
Parker showcases this speed when he beats tackles around the edge early in reps or closes quickly on quarterbacks trying to escape the pocket.
What’s Flashy
Pros:
- Aggressive at the point of attack
- Frequently uses fast, active hands in his rushes
- Impressive balance for his size
- Has the athletic traits to develop into a dominant run defender
- Exceptional statistical production through his first two years at Clemson
- Hits quarterbacks hard
- Stood out throughout the entire week of the Senior Bowl
- Played 39 straight games across 2024 and 2025
Of Course, There Are Concerns
Cons:
- Has a tendency to disappear for stretches, only to follow up with a monster game
- Can be indecisive off the snap
- Sometimes struggles to shed blocks quickly
- Lacks a true go-to pass rush move (this should improve with NFL coaching)
- Showed an obvious lack of drive in negative game scripts
Pro Comparison
Uchenna Nwosu
Pick Grade: C+
On Beane
I wasn’t surprised that Brandon Beane targeted EDGE early, but I would have preferred addressing the glaring hole at nose tackle with Kayden McDonald, who I believe would have been a Day 1 starter in this new Jim Leonhard system.
It’s also a bit frustrating to see Beane continue drafting raw prospects like Parker with high picks. That approach hasn’t worked for him, but that’s for another day.
I hope I’m wrong.
And Lastly…
This is another bet on potential.
While Parker has the athletic upside to develop into a premier run stopper, his floor feels relatively low at the NFL level without a reliable go-to pass rush move.
T.J. Parker has the traits to prove Beane right—but this is another high-risk pick added to his draft résumé.
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