T.J. Parker’s path to the NFL hit a big moment Friday night when the Buffalo Bills took the former Clemson football defensive end with the No. 35 pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He became the third Clemson player selected this year, following first-rounders Blake Miller and Peter Woods, continuing a strong showing for the program.
Parker built his reputation on steady production and disruption. Over 39 games, he totaled 144 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks, while also forcing and recovering six fumbles. By the end of his career, he ranked among Clemson’s top 10 in sacks and near the top in fumble recoveries.
His best season came in 2024, when he recorded 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, along with a school-record six forced fumbles. That performance earned him All-American honors and put him in the same conversation as Clemson’s top defensive seasons in recent years.
His numbers dipped in 2025, but he closed strong. In the regular-season finale against South Carolina, Parker turned in one of his top performances with three sacks, multiple tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery, a showing that helped solidify his draft position.
From a fast start to a standout sophomore season and a strong finish, Parker did enough in three years to hear his name called early on Day 2. Now, he heads to Buffalo looking to carve out a role at the next level.
The kind of edge rusher you'll jump through a table for.Welcome to the @BuffaloBills, T.J. Parker!#ALLIN | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/DySXGFUaSH
Round 2, Pick 35: @BuffaloBills select @ClemsonFB LB T.J. Parker! #NFLDrafthttps://t.co/tP3spUYFzk pic.twitter.com/brxZ3A5Lhf
New @BuffaloBills EDGE T.J. Parker made sure to shake the hand of every media member before his press conference 👏(via @natemillssports)pic.twitter.com/HQ6gcfWxk2
Bills select EDGE T.J. Parker with the No. 35 overall pick.pic.twitter.com/LwruEVEd5b
With the No. 35 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @BuffaloBills select T.J. Parker.NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tM9xyM4ToH
Clemson’s TJ Parker goes 35th overall to the Buffalo Bills 🐅He had 39.0 tackles for loss in 3 seasons, the 2nd most in the FBS since 2023. pic.twitter.com/NSIR8YkBEF
TJ Parker’s stats at Clemson ⬇️- 127 Total Tackles- 21.5 Sacks - 6 Forced FumblesExcellent pick from the Bills in the second round 🦬 #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/fXD0XoVIzC
Clemson star T.J Parker drafted second round 2026 NFL Draft by Bills📸 USA TODAY Sports https://t.co/J4f0iJsZd7 pic.twitter.com/JxeRrgNc31
First look at T.J. Parker. 👀@tomarrion x #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/T4I5LwMxyf
With the 35th pick, the Bills have selected OLB T.J. Parker out of Clemson. pic.twitter.com/NQXoQPQPRU
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) April 24, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Social media reactions to T.J. Parker drafted by Buffalo Bills 2026