The Cleveland Browns had numerous defensive ends on the roster last season. Besides the global talent of Myles Garrett, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Sam Kamara and Cameron Thomas.
All these guys have their own methods and abilities. But do they scare opposing quarterbacks? Is an offensive coordinator taking notes and adjustments in his game plan around any of these defenders?
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Ever since Andrew Berry was hired as the Browns’ general manager, he had attempted to fill that other pass-the-book role for a double-ended snake offense, but with minimal results. Jadeveon Clowney, Porter Gustin, Za’Darius Smith, Chase Winovich, Ogbo Okoronkwo, along with Wright and McGuire were all inserted on the opposite side of Garrett, looking for that powerful 1-2 punch.
This can be fixed in this year’s NFL Draft by selecting EDGE rusher TJ Parker from Clemson late in the first round.
Parker was at the Senior Bowl this year and was spectacular. He and Missouri DE Zion Young were the only two defensive linemen that top offensive line prospects couldn’t block in 1-on-1 drills.
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Parker is a sudden passer who has a long reach and is an aggressive defender. He had 16.5 sacks over his last two college seasons and is fast with his 4.65 speed. He uses active counters and has a knack for stripping the football on downhills. An uncanny knack for reading the backfield and then adjusting his route.
The Browns have the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the first round. If Parker is still here at 24, Cleveland should be on the podium.
The Senior Bowl is a great place to see blue-chip talent up close, as well as guys who will be available mid-round and could help this roster. Parker is a guy the Browns may need more of at an offensive guard or receiver late in the first round, but the dude can play with reckless abandon and elevate Cleveland’s pass rush starting in Week 1.
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Parker is a good boy, a great character and he has a lot of talent.
Barry Shuck, editor of Dawgs by Nature was at the Senior Bowl this week and spoke to Parker during the week of practice.
EDGE TJ Parker (6′-4″, 263 lbs)
Clemson
Projection: 1st round
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Shuck: The entire NFL universe goes to the Senior Bowl every year. Between practices, players have interviews with different teams. How does this process take place?
Parker: For me, it’s amazing to be able to talk to teams in general and let them hear what you know. All the questions they want to know. It allowed me to tell them who I am as a person and as a player and what they’re going to get out of me with concise answers. It was exciting to reiterate my story and get my foot in the door.
Shuck: What do you say about the player you are and what an NFL team should expect if they select you?
Parker: The first question was what happened to my production during my sophomore and junior years. And it’s simple. During my junior year, we were surrounded by a lot of great defensive talent at Clemson. A lot of these guys played. We didn’t have those kinds of playmakers the year before, and a lot of the production fell to me. Last year the focus was on me in the offense’s game plan. I’m happy our defense played well this year and put themselves in a position to play.
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Shuck: What do you see yourself doing after football?
Parker: I want to get into broadcasting. I grew up watching “A Football Life” and seeing the story of Walter Payton. Each episode showed how these players grew up and it was a football story. Producing these stories really caught my attention. I always wanted to make films and documentaries and be in front of the camera. All this intrigued me.
Shuck: What are your strengths as a passer?
Parker: First of all, I want to say that I play the run very well. My philosophy is you can’t rush the passer unless you can stop the run. And I’m proud of the way I can play the race. And from there I would say my power. My departure is everything. So, I’ve got everything set up with power, and I’m working on that, just having good use of my hands. Working hands are what I continue to work on and make successful. I fly and have fun.
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Shuck: How do you use your length?
Parker: It all depends on what type of set the offensive line gives me. I will always try to set up most of my moves with power. I start with power. You can work at speed and your counter moves. I just try to get a feel for the tackle from the start of the game, and from there it’s just a matter of mentality.
Shuck: Do you have a favorite power move?
Parker: I like the forklift. Once I get control of the guy, I can just control his outside arm. Then I’m able to do anything with it, and I can pass it, push it, or I can go inside.
Shuck: You mentioned stopping the race. As an EDGE player, what are the most important things to stop the run?
Parker: First of all, you are at the forefront of defense. Nothing can come out of you. You have to play with your length and learn quickly. You need violent hands and be able to escape blocks quickly. You don’t want an offensive lineman clinging to you because that’s how you’ll get hit. You don’t want any of that. So you want to play with length and play with violence. It starts with stopping the race.
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Shuck: What will NFL coaches and scouts say about you when they leave the Senior Bowl?
Parker: That I play a balanced game. I don’t want to be a one-dimensional guy. I want to be a guy who can play all four downs. I want them to know I’m a great locker room guy. Someone who is always willing to learn and soak up information from veterinarians. Someone who is going to improve the room, whether on the field or off the field, spiritually or mentally. Someone who is ready to work with boots on the ground, ready to go.
