2023 Game Film Drops JT Tuimoloau on 2025 NFL Draft Board

The only difference between Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau on his 2022 and 2023 game film was in 2023 he looked a little slower and not as strong.

I’ve now looked at him in 19 games spanning two seasons.

HE IS WHAT HE IS.

I do however maintain he would be a good addition to an NFL team at the right value.

It was tough enough for him against college-level competition with average football-playing speed and average bend. He also has shown a limited pass-rush arsenal. All in all, that’s hard to overcome at the college level and it will be that much harder to overcome at the NFL level where the game is faster and blockers are more experienced.

For you film enthusiasts (all game film links below) his first couple games of 2023 game film were rough against Indiana and Youngstown State, but he had three flash games against Western Kentucky, Purdue, and Penn State that were interesting.

However, I remain convinced that there is a place for Tuimoloau in the pros. He continued to show a knack for making special plays as well. He would add to a team’s chemistry and he would move the meter in the right round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

How did Tuimoloau look as a pass rusher?

29 HURRIES IN 2023

This number increased from 2022 (17).

His sack total also slightly increased from 3.5 sacks in 2022 to 5.0 sacks in 2023.

It’s not a matter of effort. Tuimoloau gives a good effort. It just circles back to his aforementioned physical limitations.

This draft prospect looked pretty basic rushing the passer, and as a result, he often stalled out on the perimeter of the pocket. Tuimoloau has decent raw power, but it’s not enough to often overcome college offensive tackles.

To further illustrate this point, Tuimoloau looked best when he was unblocked, or when he could time up a signature spin move just right like he did on this sack.

Run defense

I liked Tuimoloau more as a run defender than as a pass rusher on his 2023 film.

He is often outmuscled against offensive linemen, but despite being a somewhat undependable tackler, he does make his share of assists and tackles based on sheer will.

2023:

38 tackles (12 solo)

Seven tackles for loss

He’s the type of run defender who ends up around the pile a lot. He gets himself in position and he doesn’t stop until the whistle blows.

NFL projection

I continue to see Tuimoloau in the NFL as a standup linebacker prospect in a 3-4 defensive scheme (three defensive linemen and four linebackers).

I also see him making a difference on special teams.

Tuimoloau needs to be kept as clean as possible. In other words, he needs to be kept free of blockers to maximize his upside. He just does not have the raw strength or technique to win enough of the time. He is also vulnerable to biting on misdirection.

I also can’t help it, but I envision Tuimoloau on the Giants. Just thought I would throw that in there.

#44 JT Tuimoloau 6-foot-5, 269 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2024 Fall Grade: Third-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 42.1% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of November 16, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau Talented but Inconsistent (2022: 7 games evaluated)

2023 game film evaluated: Indiana, Youngstown State, Western Kentucky, Notre Dame, Maryland, Purdue, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan State, Minnesota, Michigan, and Missouri (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

A prospect with a stout equally distributed muscular frame and long arms who gives his best effort pass rushing and playing the run. Active, uses his hands well, but lacks imagination as a pass rusher, which hinders his progress. Too often hung to dry on the perimeter. Inconsistent disengaging from run blocks. Occasionally dropped into short-range pass coverage (man and zone).

What to watch for during the 2024 college football season

1. Hurries and sack production?

2. Showing pass rush moves?

3. Being fooled by misdirection?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.