Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker was projected as a first-round pick in the NFL Draft following a 2024 season that saw him dominate in the ACC, amassing 11 sacks with 19.5 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles.

Then, last year, Parker’s productivity dropped off, and he managed only five sacks with 9.5 tackles for a loss, and his stock took a bit of a hit.

While many pundits viewed Parker as still being a first-round talent, he fell out of the first round and was available when Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills were on the clock with the 35th overall selection, and Beane made Parker his pick.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by analyzing what kind of edge rusher the Bills landed in Parker, and why Beane and Buffalo weren’t scared off by Parker’s decreased production during his final season at Clemson.

T.J. Parker out to prove last year was a fluke

While Parker didn’t enjoy a repeat performance on the field last year for Clemson, the junior did improve his draft stock with a solid showing at the Senior Bowl. Watching Parker succeed against some of the nation’s top offensive line prospects helped convince Beane that Parker was the right fit for defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s defense. Beane said Parker was easily one of the five best players on the field during the week-long Senior Bowl showcase.

We discuss how a strong performance at the Senior Bowl—where Parker’s pass rushing prowess was on display—played a big role in the Bills drafting Parker; why a closer look at the game film shows Parker’s final season at Clemson wasn’t really a down year, despite a drop in sack totals; and why Parker is excited to make an immediate impact as Buffalo’s newest edge rusher.

Running through the five worst value contracts on Buffalo’s roster, a list that includes wide receiver Joshua Palmer (pictured below). Plus, running through the key dates on Buffalo’s offseason calendar; Sal Capaccio continues his State of the Bills series by previewing the running backs and fullbacks; discussing how Buffalo’s draft picks and post-draft signings created a few new intriguing positional battles; and more!

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