As the college football season barrels toward, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at J.T. Tuimoloau.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: J.T. Tuimoloau

J.T. Tuimoloau (DE – Ohio State)

6’4″ – 270 lbs.

Background:

Five-star recruit who started two of his appearances in 2021, otherwise rotated in and finished with a total of 286 snaps and a solid line of 17-4.5-3.5. Took over a starting job the following year (aside from three games in which he rotated into the defense), totaling 503 snaps and a 28-10.5-3.5 line. Has been enjoying another solid, relatively similar year so far. Also has a basketball background.

Positives:

Three-year contributor and two-year starter for a major program. Big, thickly-built strongside end who should meet any team’s size requirements. Has experience playing out of both two- and three-point stances. Tough guy with plenty of snap-to-snap intensity; should check all the boxes from a temperamental standpoint. Able to get his arms up and lock out defenders. Shows the type of anchor strength you’d expect given his frame. Thudding hitter who can help set the tone defensively. Very powerful player who can generate movement with his bull-rush; good knee bend and leg drive to grind down opposing blockers. Has been reliant on that in school, but it’s served him well on passing downs. Can be a handful when he works inside moves, functioning well in the twist game. Lateral quickness is above-average for his size, and commits to the bull-rush. Shows some flexibility in his ankles and bends a smooth arc when he wins off the edge. Flashes a tight, violent spin move.

Negatives:

Can be slow to locate the football. Gets too far upfield with his rush at times and compromises gap integrity in the run game. Lapses into throwing a shoulder at opponents occasionally when trying to set the edge. Has never really been a sack artist in school, and doesn’t have the most diverse repertoire of moves and counters; relies heavily on the intensity of his bull-rush. Tends to stay stuck on blocks when his initial move doesn’t work. Balance issues crop up at times when he tries to win with speed on the edge. May not be an ideal candidate to drop into coverage on an odd defensive front.

Summary:

A powerful, hard-working strongside edge defender with one of the most impressive bull-rushes in the class. Still developing his awareness, discipline, and technique, but has clear upside and can already be a handful for opposing blockers. Will likely be rotating onto the field early in his career, but could work his way into a starting lineup by continuing to polish his game. Might be best on an even front, but could also potentially be an elephant backer behind a three-man line.

Projection: Round 2