The Duke Blue Devils have sent plenty of big-name players to the NFL over the years, but most recently, in the 2026 NFL Draft, they didn't have a very highly drafted player.
Wesley Williams was drafted in the fourth round, and he was the highest-drafted Duke player in this year's class. But compared to 2025, when none were drafted, this wasn't a bad year for Duke rookies entering the NFL.
When it comes to Duke rookie OL Brian Parker II, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN's Ben Baby shared a big update on his 53-man roster status as Cincinnati plans its roster cuts.
"Parker will make the squad as a reserve guard," Baby writes. "He has played with the second-team offense in camp in that role."
Parker, selected in Round 6 at pick No. 189 in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Bengals, is slated to make the NFL roster as a backup offensive guard.
The 22-year-old lineman is a depth protector for Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense, and while he might not see much playing time in 2026, he could get some work in if there's an injury.
He'll be one of the primary backup lineman, and look to make an impact in an emergency where one of their starting lineman were to go down.
While it might not be the most exciting outlook for Parker in his rookie season, being on the 53-man roster as a Day 3 draft pick is already a win.
Plenty of rookies don't make their team's NFL rosters, but Parker appears likely to make it as a key depth offensive guard.
During his four seasons at Duke, Parker played in 40 games, and while his NFL snap count in his rookie season is likely to be minimal at best, his status on the roster is a good sign.
Parker, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive lineman who can play inside or outside, is slated to be a backup guard to begin his NFL career coming out of Duke.
