JT Tuimoloau may be the first Ohio State Buckeye drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. Projections have him going as high as No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans or as low as No. 25 to the Houston Texans. Tuimoloau probably will not go first overall because the first defensive lineman off the board will be Abdul Carter of Penn State. Tuimoloau will also not likely fall to 25. Tuimoloau is a six-foot-two 269-pound defensive lineman from the state of Washington. Where do you think Tuimoloau will be drafted?
JT Tuimoloau’s Statistics
JT Tuimoloau has emerged as one of college football’s premier edge rushers and could be dangerous in the NFL. He made an impact for Ohio State and was one of their most feared defensive players, playing in 39 games over three seasons and starting 26 consecutive. Tuimoloau’s has consistently improved as he has gone from top ranked recruit to an All-American.
Tuimoloau’s sophomore season in 2022 was a year where he broke out. The breakout was highlighted by an amazing performance against Penn State where he forced four turnovers and returned an interception for a touchdown. His junior season saw more growth, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors for the second straight year and Second-Team All-America recognition. He was again on the All-Big Ten team this season. He was one of three Buckeye defensive linemen to earn that honor. In his career, Tuimoloau had 83 tackles, 22 for a loss, and 23.5 sacks.
NFL Strengths
Tuimoloau has several strengths that will play well in the NFL. Most importantly, he is an excellent defender against both the run and the pass. Here are his strengths according to NFL Draft Buzz.
- Overwhelming power at the point of attack, consistently driving offensive tackles into the backfield and collapsing the pocket,
- Exceptional play strength allows him to set a firm edge against the run, forcing ball carriers to cut back inside,
- Versatile defender capable of playing as a traditional 4-3 end or standing up as an outside linebacker in multiple fronts,
- High football IQ and instincts, quickly diagnosing plays and reacting to offensive schemes,
- Utilizes long arms and powerful hands to keep blockers at bay, maintaining leverage in the trenches,
- Demonstrates an effective spin move as a pass-rush counter, showcasing his agility and body control,
- Proven playmaker with a knack for creating turnovers – performance against Penn State was elite,
- Durable player who has not missed a game in his collegiate career, indicating good conditioning and resilience.
That is a good list and it seems like Tuimoloau is well suited to play in the NFL.
NFL Weaknesses
That said Tuimoloau does have some weaknesses that could hinder his progress at the next level. Again, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
- Pass-rush plan can be inconsistent, often relying on power moves without developing a diverse array of techniques,
- Struggles with pad level at times, playing too high and negating his natural leverage advantage,
- Limited hip flexibility affects his ability to bend the edge and flatten to the quarterback on outside rush attempts,
- Lacks elite burst off the line, which can hinder his effectiveness against quick-set offensive tackles,
- Could improve hand usage to more effectively shed blocks and disengage from offensive linemen in both run and pass situations.
Most of these weaknesses can be coached away in the NFL. At least they are known.
Conclusion
The Ohio State defensive line will certainly have three and maybe four players drafted by NFL teams in the April draft. This haul is unprecedented. With the talent on the Ohio State Defensive line, it is little wonder they won the national championship.
