The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Houston fullback Derek Parish in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft with the No. 240 overall pick.
Parish played mostly on the defensive side of the ball in college, and was listed as a pass rushing prospect by most. The Jaguars announced the pick as a fullback, though.
At 6’2, 241 pounds with just 29-inch arms, a career at fullback seems likelier for Parish. At the Houston Pro Day, Parish was a standout performer with a 37-inch vertical, 4.62 40-yard dash, and 27 bench press reps.
In five seasons at Houston, Parish recorded 17 sacks and 33 tackles for loss.
Prior to adding Parish, the Jaguars did not have a fullback listed on their roster. With that position not emphasized much in Doug Pederson’s offense, Parish will likely have to contribute on special teams to earn a spot on the Jacksonville roster.
Parish was the final of 13 picks made by the Jaguars during the 2023 NFL draft.
