The next edition of our New York Jets’ top 50 draft prospect fit series takes us to the offensive line.
Before some of you freak out, the Jets do not have to use a first-round pick on this player! Hallelujah!
Brian Parker, II, a multi-faceted lineman from Duke, offers depth and versatility that the Jets’ OL so desperately needs.
Check out the previous editions of the Jets’ big board series anytime:
- No. 48: Carson Beck (QB-Miami)
- No. 49: Michael Trigg (TE-Baylor)
- No. 50: Colton Hood (CB-Tennessee)
Brian Parker II measurables and stats
- General big board rank: No. 99
2026 Combine results
- Height – 6-foot-5
- Weight – 309 pounds
- Arm – 32.875 inches
- Wingspan – 80.625 inches
- Hand – 10 inches
- 40-yard dash – 5.14
- 10-yard split – 1.78
- Broad jump – 109 inches
- 3-cone drill – 7.66
- Bench press – 29 reps
2025 Statistical Overview (PFF)
- Pass Block Snaps: 538
- Pressures allowed: 20
- Sacks allowed: 3
- Penalties: 2
- Run block grade: 83.9
- Pass block grade: 83.4
Positives
Brian Parker defines what versatility truly means for an offensive lineman. Throughout his four-year career at Duke, Parker tallied over 1,900 snaps at right tackle and over 300 at left tackle, while handling snaps at center in practice and spring ball. Parker was recruited as a center out of high school, and he lined up at the position during Shrine Bowl practices in January.
Parker is a very fluid mover for his size with the competitive nature necessary to succeed in the NFL. He possesses the agility that helps offensive linemen really take off at the next level. Parker is also technically sound, operating with clean footwork, loose hips, and lateral quickness out of his stance.
In pass protection, Parker effectively mirrors defenders when he is square to the line of scrimmage, along with being able to contain speed on his edge. His upper-body strength is apparent (29 bench press reps at the combine); he has explosive hands, and, additionally, he initiates the contact rather than waiting for a defender to hit first.
Parker plays with aggression in the run game. He hits opposing defenders with authority, delivering solid chips to help establish the initial block on combo blocks. Likewise, he has a very good understanding of how to leverage himself and use angles effectively so that he can redirect blocking defenders and create yardage.
Negatives
There are some physical limitations that will affect Parker’s NFL projection.
First, Parker more than likely does not have enough length to meet the requirements of an ideal NFL tackle, and therefore, he will likely be forced to switch to either a guard or center permanently.
His film shows a tendency to be overly aggressive when initiating contact with the defensive lineman, and he has been known to lean into his blocks too early, allowing the defensive player to get into his pads.
Parker needs some help combating counter-rush moves as well. He has shown vulnerability to spin moves in particular. Although his overall power is adequate, it appears he needs to develop the lower half of his body because he lacks the mass or strength to anchor against interior defenders.
Parker operates at full-go all the time, consistently maintaining a high degree of urgency, especially when peeling to the second level or in the flank on sweeps/screens. This, in turn, causes him to lunge forward, leading to balance issues and missed assignments when attempting to block.
Fit
Parker was a really fun tape study and will be unequivocally identified as one of the more technically exceptional offensive linemen in this class.
The lack of length suggests he would be best utilized at an interior position at the next level. Teams are known to love the idea of Parker playing center. In the mold of Alijah Vera-Tucker, he has the chops to be a decent tackle in the NFL, but will probably be an awesome guard or center.
A very high-IQ football player with short arms moving from tackle to center is reminiscent of what the NFL did with another former Duke Blue Devil, Graham Barton, a 2024 first-round pick of the Buccaneers (26th overall). The transition has worked swimmingly for Barton, as it should with Parker.
With some development in his lower-body strength, along with improvement in pad-level discipline and balance, Parker will certainly have long-term value to an NFL organization. The idea of him competing with Josh Myers for the center job is very appealing to me. Their skill sets are similar, and I think Parker could learn a lot from a grizzled vet like Myers.
The Jets have many holes to fill between the start of free agency and the end of the draft. If they choose to pass on the IOL in free agency or with some of their premium draft capital, look for them to pounce with multiple Day 3 darts. It would be wise for one of the early darts in Round 4 or Round 5 to be directed smack dab at Parker.
With an extra fourth-round pick projected to come their way via the compensatory draft pick system, the Jets are in a perfect position to roll the dice on Parker.
