Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau Talented but Inconsistent

It’s only August, but already over 90% of the other NFL Draft platforms have Ohio State EDGE JT Tuimoloau with a first-round grade (nflmockdraftdatabase.com).

However, that’s not what I saw when I turned on seven games in 2022.

Is Tuimoloau talented?

No question – – he’s also showing a tendency of being a playmaker who’s at the right place at the right time. Last season he had four passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble, which is what keeps him valued in the top-64.

Why not higher?

Flashes ability

Tuimoloau uses his hands extremely well at times and he flashes pass-rush moves, but then he gets hung out to dry like clothes on a clothesline against offensive tackles way too often.

He flashed this awesome brute power that could put offensive tackles and guards on skates, but then that is nowhere to be found on most of his reps.

There’s a lot to like about this Ohio State prospect, but there’s also a lot that frustrates the hell out of me watching his film because it’s obvious he’s capable, but then where is that the rest of the time?

Low sack and tackling production

I know there are NFL reporters who warn against “box score scouting,” and for the record, I am not a fan of that either, but every piece of information is part of a prospect’s puzzle.

When I first started researching Tuimoloau, the first thing that jumped off my screen and slapped me in the face was his low tackling and sack production. For such a highly touted prospect, that surprised me.

While stats don’t tell the whole story, they sometimes (and in this case) confirm the evaluation because that’s exactly what he looked like on game film.

Physical limitations?

It showed up game after game — Tuimoloau has decent, but not good and not great speed off the edge and he lacks bend.

This is a rough combination for an end who tends to line up in a four-point stance (both hands down in the dirt pre-snap).

Sure there were two reps in this block of game film he anticipated and blew in off the edge like he was shot out of a cannon, but that wasn’t the norm.

When it comes to a lack of bend, time after time in passing situations he couldn’t make quick enough adjustments in the pocket and out in space against backs on running plays.

I look for what prospects do most of the time, not the “one-offs.”

What position does he best project to?

I’m thinking he would be best as an outside linebacker (OLB) in a 3-4 defensive system (three down defensive linemen and four linebackers)

He’s got the size for it and at times, he could be seen standing up pre-snap at Ohio State. Plus, Tuimoloau sometimes dropped into short zones in pass coverages.

I just can’t see him winning the edge with his hand down in the dirt in a traditional 4-3 at the next level (four down linemen and three linebackers).

I kept thinking “Steelers” as I watched him play (OLB).

#44 JT Tuimoloau 6-foot-4, 271 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Summer 2023 Grade: Second-Round – Late (I would select him)

Projected by 91.1 % of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of August 19, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2022): Michigan, Maryland, Notre Dame, Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Georgia (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: 28 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 sacks and 14 QB pressures

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic rigid pass rusher with slightly above average short-area straight-line speed and inconsistent pass rush moves. Flashes good anticipation, hand usage at the point of attack, and brute power. Showed spin and head fake moves. However, needs to have it lined up perfectly due to hip rigidity. Emotional and fiery. Inconsistent against the run. More of an assist type than a playmaker, but sometimes does end up at the right place at the right time out of sheer will. Below average shedding blocks. Ineffective in short-yardage situations. Questionable instincts. Badly fooled by misdirection three times.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. Sack and pressure stats?

2. Run stopping production?

3. Bend off the edge?

4. Knack for being a playmaker?

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, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.