2025 NFL Scouting Report: J.T. Tuimoloau

Prospect Summary:

It took a little longer than expected, but by the end of his collegiate career, Tuimoloau turned into an impact player for the Buckeyes. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Tuimoloau turned in an intriguing season for the Buckeyes, showing an ability to produce big plays. He recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and two passes broken up. Tuimoloau totaled 38 tackles, five sacks, and two passes broken in 2023. He did not provide a big edge presence for the Buckeyes and has not lived up to the media hype. Hence returned to Ohio State for the 2024 season. In his final season, Tuimoloau was the Buckeyes’ best defensive end and made a lot of big plays. While Jack Sawyer got red hot at the end of the year, Tuimoloau was the defender who showed impact ability throughout the season. In 2024, Tuimoloau had 12.5 sacks, 61 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three passes batted to help Ohio State win the National Championship.

In the pass rush, Tuimoloau has an excellent bull rush with powerful hands to shed blockers and toss them to the side. Tuimoloau plays with very good leverage not standing up too high and using power and speed as he works way upfield. With his leverage and strength, Tuimoloau has a very effective bull rush to get tackles rolling backward into the quarterback. Regularly, Tuimoloau gets his blocker struggling backward and uses his length and strength to shed the block and hit the quarterback. While Tuimoloau is strong and physical, he also has the athleticism to redirect and is quick enough to run past blockers. In 2024, Tuimoloau showed speed and agility off the edge to go along with his strength. With quickness and athleticism, Tuimoloau can close on the quarterback in a hurry when he gets free.

In the ground game, Tuimoloau is tough. He is strong at the point of attack, and he pushes around the blockers. He is able to hold his ground and stand up offensive tackles to maintain gap integrity. Tuimoloau has the strength to shed blocks with the quickness to close on the back to make tackles outside of his gap. Entering the NFL, Tuimoloau is a solid run defender.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Tuimoloau could go as high as late in the first round. If he does not get selected on the opening night of the draft, he should not get out of the second round.