T.J. Parker — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Edge rusher vaulted up the Cowboys' list of 2026 priorities the moment Micah Parsons was traded. In this spot, they would get a long, tough, aggressive defender who had the best Senior Bowl week of any edge-rushing prospect. Parker was seen as a potential Round 1 player entering last season after compiling 11 sacks in 2024 but saw his production drop to 5.5 sacks. But the Senior Bowl reminded us of Parker's ability to win by locking out blockers with his long arms. That is a powerful trait in both the pass rush and run defense.

Dallas needs an immediate-impact edge rusher, and Parker has the necessary traits and production. His elite run defense helps make him a fit in Dallas, especially with owner Jerry Jones' stated desire for stout run defenders.

Parker is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher with the juice to both collapse pockets with a bull rush and the bend to win around the corner. He's stout and disciplined against the run, from setting the edge, to blowing up plays in the backfield with his quickness. He shows surprising versatility, with the athleticism to drop into coverage from wide alignments and disrupt passing lanes.

Parker didn't have the year many of us expected, earning PFF run-defense and pass-rush grades in the high 70.0s instead of the 80.0s as he did in 2024. But he was one of the standout players from the Senior Bowl. His violence as an edge defender in run and pass situations gives him first-round value. He would pair nicely opposite Donovan Ezeiruaku.

Parker had an elite close to the 2025 season, with four sacks and 10 pressures in the finale versus South Carolina. The problem? He totaled just six sacks in what was a pretty disappointing junior year. His freshman and sophomore tape, however, is outstanding. Interviews and testing will be big for Parker's stock.