{"id":714149,"date":"2026-01-29T14:33:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T14:33:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/714149\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:33:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T14:33:14","slug":"senior-bowl-standout-just-made-a-case-the-panthers-cant-ignore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/714149\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Bowl standout just made a case the Panthers can’t ignore"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Carolina Panthers are deep in their evaluations heading into the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>. And general manager Dan Morgan has his sights set on adding to the team’s edge-rushing options at some stage<\/a> during the offseason.<\/p>\n

Money is tight right now, so the cheapest way to bolster his pass-rushing options is via the college ranks. This also has the highest long-term upside; it’s just a case of whether the Panthers are willing to wait or take one with their first selection at No. 19 overall.<\/p>\n

Finalizing the board is the objective right now. Morgan and his staff are getting a closer look at prospects at major assessment events, including this week’s Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile<\/a>, Alabama. This is always one of the most prominent dates on the calendar, and one intriguing prospect made a case that the Panthers can’t ignore.<\/p>\n

T.J. Parker’s dominant showing should have caught the Carolina Panthers’ attention<\/p>\n

It’s well known that the Panthers have never selected a Clemson prospect in their more than three-decade history. But based on edge rusher T.J. Parker’s performance at practice on Tuesday, this could be the year.<\/p>\n

Great leverage + long arm pass rush rep here from Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker. He had some strong run defense reps as well. Good first day for him pic.twitter.com\/1M4WxI8xJc<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Parker was relentless in one-on-ones, according to those in attendance. His burst, explosiveness off the snap, and stiff arm gave opposing offensive linemen problems throughout the season. And during a conversation with Cat Crave’s own Imari Burris afterward, his confidence about what he could bring to an NFL team was clearly oozing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Just trying to be consistent. Showcasing my talent. Showcasing how well I move in the run-and-pass game. How smart I play. If there are any questions, just ask me this week. Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to go and do it to the best of my ability. I feel like I’m a good edge rusher as it is, so just trying to stay outside. But I can also slide inside and rush as a 3-technique as you saw today, so I can do it all, you know.”<\/p>\n

T.J. Parker<\/p>\n

Got to talk to TJ Parker about about his mindset after a dip in production compared to his 2024-25 season #KeepPounding<\/a> #TheDraftStartsinMobile<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vJp4u6PpA7<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Real Ball Watcher (@thaRBW) January 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

This sort of assurance and athleticism would be a fantastic addition for somebody. Parker had a down year by his typically high standards in 2025, but very few on the Tigers thrived as a campaign that began with dreams of the college football national championship fell by the wayside.<\/p>\n

Parker is still projected to be a first-round pick. He’s got the power to get linemen off their spot while also boasting the length needed to create leverage effortlessly. He looks well-suited to Ejiro Evero’s scheme as a clean edge-setter who also thrives in pass-rushing situations. If he can refine his tackling technique and enhance his pass-rushing repertoire, the sky’s the limit.<\/p>\n

And if this Senior Bowl dominance is the start of things to come from Parker, he may be the barrier-breaking Tiger who finally gets chosen by Carolina<\/a> when it’s all said and done.<\/p>\n