Brandon Parker
 Parker with the Oakland Raiders in 2019 | |||||||
| No. 75 – Atlanta Falcons | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Offensive tackle | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | October 21, 1995 Kannapolis, North Carolina, U.S. | ||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 320 lb (145 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | A.L. Brown (Kannapolis, North Carolina) | ||||||
| College: | North Carolina A&T (2013–2017) | ||||||
| NFL draft: | 2018 / round: 3 / pick: 65 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of 2023 | |||||||
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Brandon Malik Parker (born October 21, 1995) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Carolina A&T before being selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Early life
[edit]Parker was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, to George Curtis Parker III and his wife Regina.[1] Both of his parents have athletic backgrounds. Parker attended A.L. Brown High School, in Kannapolis, North Carolina where he started two of the three years he playing varsity football.[2] During his senior year, Parker led the Wonders to an 8–4 record. During Parker's high school career, the wonders averaged 287 yards rushing per game and completed 62.4 percent of its passes.[2]
College career
[edit]Parker's tall and lanky frame was a point of concern and limited the number of schools interested in recruiting him for football. In an interview with Brian McLaughlin of Herosports.com, Parker said "I really wasn't highly sought after coming out of high school, because of my frame, and I didn't have really good film my junior year; My senior year, I didn't really get any kind of accolades. You had to come to my school to know anything about me. I was a much slimmer guy, if you can believe that...With schools like Alabama and Clemson, they're looking for the guy who is ready to go right now.[3]" Parker received full scholarship offers from Division II Winston-Salem State, FCS North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central; a partial scholarship from his father's alma mater North Carolina; & preferred walk-on spots from then FCS Appalachian State, Charlotte, & FBS Duke.[4] He would then sign with North Carolina A&T as one of their 22 signees recruited under Head Coach Rod Broadway.[5]
2014 season
[edit]Parker was redshirted during the 2013 football season. In 2014, he was projected to be second on the Aggies depth chart at the left tackle position behind William Robinson. When Robinson went down with an injury, Parker was placed as starter.[4] Parker started in all 12 games played that season, having standout performances against Florida A&M and Morgan State.[2] Parker would conclude the season earning third-team All-MEAC honors.[6] His contributions to the team resulted in Quarterback Kwashaun Quick having his best passing season of his career, as Parker prevented Quick from being sacked.[2]
2015 season
[edit]Parker, who started for all 12 games of the season had impressive showings against Florida A&M and at the Celebration Bowl against Alcorn State.[2] Parker averaged 4 pancake blocks per game while successfully never surrendering a sack from his position at left tackle.[7] Parker's style of play led to only 2 penalties called against him in 2015, which contributed to the Aggies being 2nd in the MEAC in offense.[7] Parker finished his season with a number of accolades, including All-American honors from both American Urban Radio Networks and Boxtorow.[8] Parker was also named the MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, becoming the second player in the program's history to win the award behind Qasim Mitchell who won in 2001.[9]
2016 season
[edit]Parker started all 12 games of the 2016 football season, earning MEAC offensive lineman of the week a total of five times.[2] Parker was involved in 779 gradable plays during the 2016 football season including: 48 total knockdowns with an average 87% grade.[2] Parker also graded out higher than 90% on 5 occasions, contributing to A&T being rated 1st in total offense and rushing offense; and 3rd in passing offense in the MEAC.[2] At the conclusion of the season, Parker was named to the All-MEAC first team and awarded the conference's Offensive lineman of the year award for the second consecutive season.[10] In addition to his conference honors, he was named an FCS second team All-American by the Associated Press.[11]
2017 season
[edit]Parker entered his final season with A&T as the starting left tackle for all 12 games of the 2017 season. Parker's stingy blocking resulted in 0 sacks by his opponents, resulting in him never allowing a single sack in his entire collegiate career.[12] Parker was awarded the MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year award, becoming the first player to win the award in 3 consecutive seasons. His performance also earned him 1st team FCS All-America honors and an invite to the Senior Bowl.[13]
Professional career
[edit]Pre-draft
[edit]On November 20, 2017, it was announced that Parker had accepted his invitation to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.[14] On January 27, 2018, Parker played in the 2018 Reese's Senior Bowl as part of Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien's South team who defeated the North 45–16. His overall performance at the Senior Bowl impressed scouts and team representatives and helped raise his draft stock.[15] Parker was among 20 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) players who received an invitation to attend the NFL Scouting Combine.[16] Parker attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the bench press. His overall combine performance was considered fair among scouts as he finished third among all offensive linemen in the broad jump and ninth in the vertical jump.[17]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Brandon Parker's NFL Combine Workout |
Parker attended pre-draft visits and private workouts with multiple teams including the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.[18] On April 2, 2018, Parker participated at North Carolina A&T's pro day and chose to perform the 40-yard dash (5.42s), 20-yard dash (3.08s), 10-yard dash (1.78s), and bench press (21 reps). At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Parker was projected to be a fourth or fifth round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts.[19] He was ranked the 13th best offensive tackle prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and was ranked the 14th best offensive tackle by Scouts Inc.[20][21]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 7+5⁄8 in (2.02 m) |
305 lb (138 kg) |
35 in (0.89 m) |
9+3⁄4 in (0.25 m) |
5.40 s | 1.83 s | 3.10 s | 4.68 s | 7.82 s | 28.5 in (0.72 m) |
9 ft 5 in (2.87 m) |
21 reps | |
| All values from NFL Scouting Combine/Pro Day[19][20] | ||||||||||||
Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders
[edit]The Oakland Raiders selected Parker in the third round (65th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. Parker was the fifth offensive tackle selected in 2018.[22] The Oakland Raiders traded their third (75th overall), fifth (152nd overall), and seventh round (212th overall) picks to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the Ravens' third round pick in order to move up in the third round and draft Parker.[23]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Raiders draft Brandon Parker 65th overall |
On May 21, 2018, the Oakland Raiders signed Parker to a four-year, $4.09 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.05 million.[24] Parker was named the Raiders starting right tackle in Week 5 after a season-ending injury to Donald Penn. He allowed 8.5 sacks in his rookie year.
In 2019, Parker started three games at right tackle. In 2021, he was named the starting right tackle in Week 5 and started the remainder of the season.
On March 21, 2022, Parker re-signed with the Raiders.[25] On August 28, 2022, Parker was placed on injured reserve.[26]
On March 10, 2023, Parker re-signed with the Raiders.[27] He was placed on injured reserve on August 15, 2023.[28] He was released on August 24.
On November 6, 2023, Parker was again signed to the Raiders practice squad.[29] He was signed to the active roster on December 12.[30]
San Francisco 49ers
[edit]On March 18, 2024, Parker signed a one–year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.[31] On August 27, 2024, Parker was released by the 49ers.[32] On September 2, 2024, Parker was signed by the 49ers.[33] On September 9, 2024, Parker was released by the 49ers.[34]
Atlanta Falcons
[edit]On September 10, 2024, Parker was signed by the Atlanta Falcons.[35]
Personal life
[edit]Parker is married to Dominique Green, who he met while attending NC A&T, and together they have a 1-year-old daughter. On November 18, 2017, Parker proposed to Green on the field before kickoff in Parker's final home game against arch rival North Carolina Central.[36]
Parker's father was an All-ACC offensive lineman for the University of North Carolina and his mother a prep basketball star at Carver High School and later playing for North Carolina.[1][37] Parker's older sister, Jasmine, also attended NC A&T and was a member of the women's basketball program.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c London, Mike. "College Football: Former Wonder Parker is All-American for NC A&T | Salisbury Post". www.salisburypost.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Brandon Parker Bio". NCATAggies.com. NC A&T Sports Informatiom. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
- ^ McLaughlin, Brian. "N.C. A&T's Brandon Parker Aiming For HBCU National Title, Then NFL Draft". HERO Sports. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
- ^ a b London, Mike. "College Football: Former Wonder Parker is All-American for NC A&T | Salisbury Post". www.salisburypost.com. Salisbury Post. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
- ^ Morrison, David. "N.C. A&T football brings in 22 on Signing Day". greensboro.com. Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
- ^ "Cohen Earns Top Offensive Honor". NCATAggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
- ^ a b "N.C. A&T's Tarik Cohen Named MEAC Offensive Player Of The Year". thenewsstar.com. USA Today. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
- ^ Ware, Donal (December 9, 2015). "2015 BOXTOROW College Football All-America Team". BOXTOROW. From The Press Box to Press Row. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
- ^ "Cohen, Parker Win Top Offensive Awards". NCATAggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
- ^ "Fourteen Aggies Earn All-MEAC Honors". NCATAggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
- ^ "FCS Football: AP releases 2016 FCS All-America Team". NCAA.com. Associated Press. December 15, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ Mills, Jeff. "A&T's Brandon Parker to play in Senior Bowl". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
- ^ "All-Americans: A&T's Brandon Parker makes first team; Khris Gardin, Mac McCain on third team". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
- ^ "2 local Carolina prospects accept Senior Bowl invites". pantherswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T OL Brandon Parker impresses at Senior Bowl". sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
- ^ "N.C. A&T's Parker sizes up well for NFL career". FOX Sports. February 23, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
- ^ Wilkerson-New, Brant. "A&T's Brandon Parker focusing small to prepare for NFL Draft". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
- ^ Gaither, Steven J. "Brandon Parker draws big crowd to A&T Pro Day - HBCU Gameday". hbcugameday.com. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
- ^ a b "Combine Player Profiles - BRANDON PARKER". www.nfl.com. National Football League. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
- ^ a b "Brandon Parker, DS #13 OT, North Carolina A&T". draftscout.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
- ^ "NFL Brandon Parker -ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
- ^ Green, Tyler (April 27, 2018). "2018 NFL Draft Results: Raiders trade up with Ravens, select OT Brandon Parker at 65 overall". Silver And Black Pride. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ "Spotrac.com: Brandon Parker contract". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
- ^ "Raiders sign T Brandon Parker". Raiders.com. March 21, 2022.
- ^ "Raiders place three on reserve/injured list". Raiders.com. August 28, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
- ^ "Raiders re-sign T Brandon Parker and TE Jesper Horsted". Raiders.com. March 10, 2023.
- ^ "Raiders Place T Brandon Parker On IR". Pro Football Rumors. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Bouda, Nate. "Raiders Sign OT Brandon Parker To Practice Squad". NFL Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ Gossen, Rachel. "Raiders sign T Brandon Parker to the active roster". Raiders.com. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ "49ers Sign DL Floyd and Four Additional Free Agents; Re-Sign OL". 49ers.com. March 18, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Announce Moves for Initial 53-Man Roster of 2024". 49ers.com. August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Place Ricky Pearsall on Reserve/Non-Football Injury List and More Roster Moves". 49ers.com. September 2, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Activate Trent Williams to Active Roster, Release Parker". 49ers.com. September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
- ^ Waack, Terrin (September 10, 2024). "Falcons sign a veteran offensive tackle". AtlantaFalcons.com.
- ^ Mills, Jeff (November 18, 2017). "A&T All-American Brandon Parker proposes to girlfriend on the field". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ Dooley, Donovan (October 5, 2017). "N.C. A&T's Brandon Parker is getting noticed by the NFL". Andscape. Retrieved April 7, 2018.