Breaking down Indianapolis Colts' 2025 second round pick: DE JT Tuimoloau
Breaking down Indianapolis Colts' 2025 second round pick: DE JT Tuimoloau In the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau. Let's break it down.
In the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau.
Let's break down the pick, and if you missed our other recaps, you can find them below.
Tyler Warren
JT Tuimoloau's profile
Height: 6-042
Weight: 265
Arm length: 33.75"
Age: 21
College profile
Breaking down the Indianapolis Colts' pick
Without Dayo Odeyingbo, the Colts' defensive end depth needed a boost, which Tuimoloau can provide right away. This was also likely a selection by GM Chris Ballard, who had his eyes on 2026 as well, when Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, and Samson Ebukam are all set to be free agents.
Tuimoloau brings a well-rounded and three-down presence to the Colts' defense. Against both the run and the pass last season, he was highly effective. Among the defensive end position group in 2024, Tuimoloau ranked 14th in total pressures, and he was also sixth in PFF's run defense grade.
Tuimoloau should instantly carve out a role in the Colts' defensive end rotation, and he has the skill set to move inside during obvious passing situations, similarly to what we had seen in previous years with Odeyingbo. I don't think it's too far-fetched of a scenario where at some point this season, Tuimoloau is the second-most productive defensive end for the Colts, along with Laiatu Latu.
JT Tuimoloau's scouting report
NFL.com
Lance Zierlein: "Rugged edge defender with the size, length and toughness to play up or down in hybrid fronts. Tuimoloau plays to his size. His game revolves around power and force. He uses well-timed strikes and good length to stay separated and shed the block cleanly. He plays hard but has average pursuit quickness outside the box and trouble holding his ground against drive blockers in-line. Tuimoloau's power rush helped him tear through the expanded College Football Playoff, with 6.5 sacks over four games, but his rush plan and hand work need refinement to maintain the momentum he built as a rusher during the 2024 season. He's unlikely to become a star but his traits and demeanor fit the profile of a good NFL starter."
They said it
Mike Lacy, area scout: 'Tough, durable kid," Lacy said via the Indy Star. "Big dude, plays hard, I think about him playing his best ball down the stretch in their biggest games. … I think those guys knew what was at stake, I think they knew what they were capable of doing, going on a championship run and everybody just kind of turned it up a notch.
'A big guy who's a real threat off the edge and can win in multiple ways. What you see from J.T., he knows he's getting extra attention, he's used to it. You just kind of see a guy strain a little bit harder, fight a little bit harder, be a little more creative, be a little more savvy to beat that extra attention you're getting.'
JT Tuimoloau's athletic profile
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