TJ Parker

Parker has the strength-first toolbox to fit Buffalo's new edge identity from day one. The rookie ceiling is high because he can play the run without waiting for obvious passing downs.

Strengths: Power, heavy hands, get-off, run defense, college production and three-down potential.

Weaknesses: Rookie pass-rush counters need refinement, and NFL tackles will test his consistency and patience.

Parker looks like the next young edge bet with real juice. Twenty-one and a half sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss at Clemson are serious production, and a preseason sack offered an early reminder of the burst. Buffalo will ask him to learn a 3-4 outside-linebacker role, so the transition matters as much as the talent. I rate him a seven because the traits and college résumé are excellent, while the NFL technique and coverage responsibilities are still new.

Strengths: He has a high motor, explosiveness, real sack production and the strength to play through contact. Parker can rush with violence, attack the run and has shown a knack for making splash plays.

Weaknesses: He is changing roles in a new scheme and has no regular-season NFL sample. He needs to develop coverage awareness, edge-setting discipline and counter moves against much stronger tackles.