Chargers land a talented player who was once viewed as a potential top 10 pick in a new 2026 NFL mock draft
Chargers land a defensive star who, this time last year, was considered a lock to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers went through a lot of adversity last season and still came out the other end with double-digit wins and a spot in the AFC playoffs.
The team could address their offensive line depth or try to fill starting spots on their defense.
A new mock draft from A to Z Sports has the Chargers landing a talented pass rusher who Khalil Mack could take under his wing, and it’s someone who, a year ago, no one would have expected to be available so late in round one.
Chargers select Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker in a new mock draft
“The Bolts lose out on addressing their interior offensive line or cornerback here, simply because of how the board ahead of them fell. That being said, Parker’s film in 2025 is better than some people give him credit for, and he could pair nicely with Tuli Tuipolotu off the edge for the Chargers.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst
T.J. Parker was viewed as one of the best players in college football ahead of the 2025 season. He was coming off a career high of 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, and the entire Clemson Tigers team had national championship aspirations.
The season didn’t go to plan for Parker or the Tigers as a team. Not only did they not win the national championship, but they didn’t even qualify for the ACC title game or the College Football Playoff. As a result, his draft stock has taken a noticeable hit.
The talent he possesses is still very evident, and he showed how dominant he remains at the Senior Bowl. Those on hand left the week feeling as though Parker was one of the most talented players in attendance, but he still seems to be projected to hear his name called somewhere from the middle of round one to the middle of round two.
Ideally, Parker wouldn’t land in a spot where he’d be asked to be the top pass rush threat that offenses could focus on early in his career. That wouldn’t be his role with the Chargers, thanks to a legend like Mack already being on the roster. He would be a great mentor to Parker, and the team also has outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season with a career-high 13 sacks.
Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker’s college stats
- 2023: 13 games, 5.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, 32 total tackles
- 2024: 14 games, 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, 57 total tackles
- 2025: 12 games, 5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 37 total tackles
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