2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: J.T. Tuimoloau (DE – Ohio State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ohio State defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: J.T. Tuimoloau

J.T. Tuimoloau (DL – Ohio State)

6-foot-5 | 269 Pounds

Background

J.T. Tuimoloau was a five-star recruit who started two of his appearances in 2021, otherwise, he rotated in and finished with a total of 286 snaps, over which he posted 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. Became a full-time starter in 2023, with a 38-7.0-5.0 line, before putting together a monster 2024 season line of 49-17.0-10.0 as of the time of writing. Also has a basketball background.

Positives

Productive three-year contributor for a major program, making his senior season his best. 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.

Tuimoloau can 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. Tuimoloau 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 a tick slow to locate the football. Gets too far upfield with his rush at times, which can compromise gap integrity in the run game. Lapses into throwing a shoulder at opponents occasionally when trying to set the edge. Has been developing a more diverse repertoire of moves and counters, but still relies heavily on the intensity of his bull rush.

Tuimoloau has some tendency 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, he’s continuing to develop his awareness, discipline and technique, but he has clear upside and can already be a handful for opposing blockers.

Could end up rotating onto the field at the beginning of his career, but could work his way into a starting lineup by continuing to polish his game, and the strides he’s made this season are encouraging. Tuimoloau might be best on an even front, but could also potentially be an elephant linebacker behind a three-man line.

Projection: Round 2

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