Chris Jones came alive against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football, leading the Kansas City Chiefs in pressures. The team still needs to add more talent at defensive end to generate a consistent pass rush as Jones ages. Fortunately, several prospects in the 2026 NFL draft offer immediate upgrades at the role across from George Karlaftis.

Kansas City’s starting defensive ends combined for only two pressures on Sunday night. For reference, 60 defenders generated three or more pressures by themselves in Week 6. The Chiefs need more production off the edge. Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker has the potential to elevate Kansas City’s defensive front.

Parker possesses a lot of B-level traits, but not enough A-level traits to be considered for an early first round pick. His arm length isn’t special, and he lacks ideal bend to turn the corner. Parker isn’t as explosive or loose as the premier prospects in the 2026 class. However, he offers a diverse pass rush plan in a powerful and mostly prototypical frame.

Parker has flashes of an explosive first step and packs enough power in his arms to create some quick separation on first contact. His pass rush arsenal includes cross-chops, long-arms, spins, swims and two-handed swipes. He uses one-armed stabs to set up other rush moves. Parker’s bull rush is inconsistent, but he posts some elite reps converting speed to power to maul offensive tackles.

Hip stiffness prevents Parker from accessing tight angles on his way to the quarterback. When outside rushes fail, Parker pries open the B-gap with a bull rush. His closing burst makes him a useful rusher on stunts. He is still developing his hand counters to provide pressure on secondary rush attempts.

Play of the Day No. 183: T.J. Parker walks NC State left tackle Anthony Belton (the 54th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft) back into the quarterback for a sack (Clemson vs. North Carolina State, 2024). #POTD pic.twitter.com/Or0WeHt4mj

— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) August 29, 2025

Parker struggles to anchor at the point of attack in the run game but posts some violent examples of stacking and shedding blocks. His motor makes him a threat to chase down players on long pursuit plays or impact screens. Parker loses too many plays to smaller blockers and doesn’t consistently dominate in matchups he should own.

Clemson welcomes the SMU Mustangs to Death Valley on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The two struggling former College Football Playoff teams last played in the 2024 ACC Championship Game. SMU star right tackle PJ Williams did not play in the team’s game against Stanford this past week.