JT Tuimoloau Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Barry Reeger/AP Photo)
School: Ohio State
Class: Senior
Position: EDGE
HT: 6’4
WT: 270 lbs
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Background: JT Tuimoloau was a consensus 5-star prospect and one of the highest graded recruits ever. Tuimoloau is from Sammamish, Washington and attended Eastside Catholic High School. Tuimoloau was the 2021 Polynesian Player of the Year and led Eastside Catholic to back-to-back 3A state titles. JT a 2020 All-American Bowl selection and the 3A Athlete of the Year in Washington. While JT was arguably the best player in the country, he also lettered all four years of high school in basketball, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds per game as a senior.
College: Tuimoloau got to Columbus and immediately made an impact for the Buckeyes. As a true freshman, he made a significant impact on the defense right away. JT has been named an All-American and an All-Big 10 member multiple times throughout his years in Columbus. In his Ohio State career, Tuimoloau has tallied 15 sacks and 32 TFLs. Tuimoloau has performed in high leverage, meaningful games for multiple seasons at Ohio State. He has been a mainstay on the edge for the entirety of his collegiate career and has the full attention of the offensive line.
Strengths: JT Tuimoloau is an instinctive edge rusher who plays the run just as well as he rushes the quarterback. As a pass rusher, he can use either speed or power to beat the offensive tackle. He has a great speed to power move, which he uses frequently to knock back his opponent. He has heavy and physical hands that always outwork the opposition. He is a player that can not only cause disruption and panic in the pocket, but he has the sacks and QB hits to prove it. Tuimoloau is an outstanding disruptor who can finish what he started. His list of finesse moves is a long one as he can win a rep in a variety of ways. Tuimoloau does well to use his length to his advantage at the point of attack. Initial burst and explosiveness help JT create a certain power that is rare to see out of a prospect. JT has a high motor and plays through the whistle, making sure he makes a significant impact on each and every play.
Weaknesses: With how great Tuimoloau has been as an edge rusher at Ohio State, there are still some areas that need to be improved upon. JT does not have great flexibility at the hips and ankles, despite being able to win with finesse. He was able to get by in college, but winning with finesse requires flexibility in the NFL. When a quarterback is able to thrive when improvising, Tuimoloau tends to struggle to keep up. He looks like a deer in headlights when the quarterback becomes unpredictable. When chasing down the ball carrier, he loses ground quickly and takes poor routes to the ball.
Conclusion: JT Tuimoloau brings championship experience and pass rushing prowess to a defensive line rotation. He may not have the highest ceiling to be a game wrecker every week, but he has a high enough floor to be a rotational edge rusher at the next level.
Scheme Fit: 4-3
Ideal Role: EDGE
Best Team Fits: CHI, DET, ATL
Player Comparison: Tuli Tuipulotu
Player Grade: Round 4 (65.4)
