The Kansas City Chiefs made two additions to the roster on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. They traded up to draft LSU CB Mansoor Delane at No. 6, then took Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the No. 29 overall pick.
They have to feel good about adding these two guys, but the Chiefs also own the 40th pick in the second round, giving them the ability to bring in another contributor to the roster. With edge rusher still needing some juice, Kansas City should target Clemson edge T.J. Parker with that selection.
Chiefs Should Target Clemson Edge T.J. Parker with No. 40 Overall Pick
Parker is one of the best players left on the board and would provide Kansas City with an athletic rusher with the tools to succeed at the next level. Parker has room to grow as a sack artist, but he makes plays as both a pass rusher and run defender.
In his 39 college games with the Clemson Tigers, Parker recorded 126 tackles, 41.5 TFLs, 21.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and four pass deflections. One of the biggest perks of his game is that Parker's motor is sky high. He plays as if his hair is on fire, consistently finding his way into the backfield. Parker also stands at 6'3" and 263 pounds, displaying terrific size off the edge.
The Chiefs know they need more juice off the edge, especially after tying 28th in the NFL in total team sacks (35) last season. George Karlaftis had 6.5 sacks during the 2025 campaign for Kansas City, best among Chiefs edge rushers. Unfortunately, that's nowhere near good enough and makes the idea of Parker joining that group all the more intriguing.
They feel good about Karlaftis and Chris Jones wreaking havoc, as well as their decision to snag Woods at the end of round one. The idea of Parker reuniting with Woods again and bringing another athletic pass rusher to the fold is an interesting decision they have to make.
The Chiefs could still make an addition to the receiver room, specifically after the report revealed Kansas City is hesitant to extend Rashee Rice. While there could be some options at No. 40, the wide receiver class is deeper than the edge, which only makes Parker more appealing. The best pass rushers typically get taken higher in the draft, and Kansas City should follow that trend.
Parker would give the Chiefs another defensive player who would make an immediate impact and fill a position of need. With Day 2 of the draft right around the corner, Kansas City should have Parker's name circled on their draft board.
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