Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• First-step explosiveness lacks elite juice – wins more with technique and timing than pure twitch off the snap, limiting his ceiling as a speed rusher.
• Inconsistent motor that runs hot and cold depending on game situation – will abandon backside pursuit when plays break away from his side.
• Occasionally plays with pad level too high, negating his natural leverage advantages and making him susceptible to stronger tackles locking him up.
• Coverage responsibilities remain a work in progress – shows stiffness when dropping into space and lacks fluidity when changing direction.
• Tackling technique can get sloppy in space – relies too heavily on arm tackles when working in traffic, leading to missed opportunities in the backfield.

Scouting Report: Summary

Parker's going to be a day one difference-maker when he steps onto an NFL field. The tape doesn't lie: this kid's hand-fighting skills and technical polish will translate immediately against professional tackles. He's built to excel in multiple fronts but watch him feast in an aggressive 4-3 where he can pin his ears back and hunt QBs without overthinking. His natural leverage and savvy approach to setting the edge makes him a rare three-down rookie who won't need to be hidden on early downs.

The nuance in Parker's game separates him from raw athletes at his position. He manipulates blockers like a five-year veteran, using subtle head fakes and shoulder dips to create attack angles most college rushers never develop. His production against double-teams and chip blocks jumps off the film – he stays relentless through contact and keeps his balance when others would crumble. He's shown the same devastating hand techniques that made several of today's top pass rushers millions, just with a sturdier anchor against the run.

Teams with hybrid defensive fronts will maximize his versatility, allowing him to work from multiple alignments to create consistent pressure. His skill set would thrive alongside an established pass rusher who commands attention, creating favorable one-on-one matchups that Parker consistently wins on film. While not quite the freakish athlete some teams covet at edge, Parker brings reliable production, advanced technique, and leadership qualities that will anchor a defensive front for the next decade. Bottom line: expect him to come off the board in the top half of the first round for good reason.