Underwear Olympics: What the NFL needs from TJ Parker at combine

The NFL combine is in just a couple of weeks, and nine ClemsonTigers are looking to increase their draft stock. In this series, we're going to dive into each player and break down exactly what they'll need to do in Indy to separate themselves and solidify their draft value. 

TJ Parker is a young edge rusher with a rare mix of traits, talent, and production. His frame is solid (ranging from the 40th to 55th percentile in height, weight, and arm length), but his athleticism is unmatched. Parker ended the season as a fringe top fifty prospect, but is now receiving top 20 consideration after a standout Shrine Bowl performance. 

Why He Could Rise

By showing quickness that reflects his straight-line speed. Parker is projected to run a 4.65 forty, which would put him in the eighty-eighth percentile for edge rushers. While the athleticism is undoubtedly there, it's not always apparent when you turn on the tape. Parker does not feature an ideal get-off, and is not someone you'd say has a significant first step. Whether this is due to a lack of quickness or a lack of fundamentals can be identified in Indy. If Parker's ten-yard split can be even more favorable than his forty-yard dash, then his weaknesses in getting to the point of attack become coachable. 

Why He Could Fall

Firstly, for the same reason he could rise. If his lack of quickness on film is confirmed with his testing, NFL teams will be wary of selecting him early in the first round. Additionally, Parker's frame could cause him to fall slightly in the draft. Only in the NFL draft would you ever call a 6'4 ", 263-pound player "small,", but his size is well below average for his position. If Parker decides to cut weight to improve his 40, he could fall into the 25-35 percentile in size, putting him right at the line between "below average" and "outlier."

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Even with slightly poor measurements, Parker is likely to be selected early in this year's NFL draft. He has a floor relatively early in the second round, with a genuine ceiling in the top ten. 

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: How the NFL combine could help/hurt TJ Parker's draft stock