The Buffalo Bills traded out of the first round, still landed a player many viewed as a first-round talent.
Buffalo selected defensive end T.J. Parker with the No. 35 overall pick, addressing a key need along the defensive line.
Parker is a power-based edged rusher known for his physical style of play, using his length and heavy hands to collapse the pocket and set the edge against the run.
“I’m a very physical player who loves to use his hands,” Parker told reporters on a Zoom call Friday night. “I don’t shy away from contact in the run game or the pass game.
“A guy who’s going to try to play with attitude, run to the ball, get there fast as possible and put pain on somebody. We’re playing fast, physical football and I’m trying to bring the nasty the defense.”
Parker had a dominant 2024 season at Clemson with 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles, thought his production dipped in 2025.
Here is how draft experts graded the pick:
USA Today
Brandon Beane could have made this selection at his original spot at No. 26 and no one would have blinked. Instead, he moved back for more draft capital and still landed his guy. Parker fits the profile of a long, stout edge rusher that the Bills have embraced in recent years. He might not be the most dynamic pass rusher, but he’ll create pressure consistently and push the pocket.
Grade: B+
CBS Sports
The Bills were in desperate need of pass-rushing help and add just that at the top of round-2. Parker is a physical edge-rusher who’s been a plus run defender and pocket-collapser since Day 1 at Clemson. He would have gone much higher than this after his sophomore year, but his lackluster 2025 tape drops him to Round 1. (Mike Renner)
Grade: B-
Sporting News
The Bills enter the draft with a needed splash with a first-round talent. Parker has the quickness, instincts and history of production to fit well as a bigger rusher who also can help them against the run.
Grade: A
New York Times
With the switch a 3-4 defense, the Bills needed a different type of pass rusher. T.J. Parker is a solid, productive addition who should help in that transition.
Parker (6-foot-3 1/2, 263) collected 21.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss over three seasons at Clemson and set a school record in 2024 with six forced fumbles. He was a safe pick but a quality one.
If Buffalo had drafted him at No. 26 yesterday, it would have generated the same reaction. That the Bills got Parker at No. 35, it’s an even bigger win.
Grade: A
Sports Illustrated
Coming in as a true freshman for Clemson in 2023, Parker was excellent across three seasons with the Tigers. He totaled 41.5 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks, including a monstrous ’24 campaign with 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks alongside six forced fumbles. The 263-pounder ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at the combine, showcasing solid explosiveness to go with good size.
How he fits with the Bills: Buffalo is transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard, and it got a key piece in Parker. He gives the Bills another pass-rushing option alongside Gregory Rousseau and newcomer Bradley Chubb, who signed a three-year deal in free agency. Parker could be a rotational piece to start, who grows into a larger role.
Grade: B
Walter Football
This is a fine pick, as the Bills know that they need to battle some great quarterbacks in the AFC. T.J. Parker has a load of potential and was once viewed as a first-round prospect, but didn’t have a great final year. Perhaps he can live up to expectations in Buffalo. I personally would have preferred a receiver or one of the linebackers.
Grade: B
T.J. ParkerTalked to Bills at Senior Bowl”I’m just super excited to get up in Buffalo to meet the staff and get comfortable. We’re going to have some fun and work hard.”Dad was in the military – Army”My dad was always about discipline and the way you treat people. At an early age I was always told to great people with respect.”Married to elite athlete – Plays volleyball Clemson”She’s amazing. She keeps me on my toes.”What does he know about Buffalo? “I know one thing: the fans love football. That’s one thing I love. I love an organization with great culture.”Describe his game: “Very physical player who loves to use his hands. Doesn’t shy away from contact in the run game or pass game. Very powerful with my long arms and my speed to power.””A guy who’s going to try to play with attitude, run to the ball, get there fast as possible and put pain on somebody. We’re playing fast, physical football and I’m trying to bring the nasty the defense. Excited to get up there and meet my teammates.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Draft grades: Bills get powerful edge rusher who wants to ‘bring the nasty’
Reporting by Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
