Going into the 2025 NFL Draft, some teams still have a clear need at the defensive end position. The Chicago Bears, being one of those teams, might have their eye on an earlier prospect rather than later. Needing to fill out their depth, still after free agency, going with a pass rusher on Day 1 or Day 2 seems likely.
Ohio State's JT Tuimoloau could be someone Ryan Poles has gotten familiar with over the past couple of years, being so close to Big Ten football and knowing his team's needs at the position for quite some time.
Tuimoloau comes into the league as someone who boasts a certain set of skills, but will need to be paired with the right players around him to function best, due to his shortcomings. For the Bears, he'd fit well opposite Montez Sweat.
Continuing our series of 2025 NFL prospect scouting reports, let's dive in further on Tuimoloau.
Ohio State EDGE JT Tuimoloau 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 265
- No. 1 overall high school prospect (all positions) in 2021
- 6.5 sacks during Ohio State's 2024-25 playoff/championship run
Positives
- Top-flight length allows him several advantages throughout the rep
- Strong frame from top to bottom, paired with hand/foot coordination helps disengage would-be blocks
- Has an arsenal of counters to throw off opposing linemen
When an offensive lineman thinks they have a hold on Tuimoloau, he proves them otherwise. This is a pass rusher who is extremely hard to keep your grips dug in on. He packs a whole lot of strength from head to toe, including quite the pair of mits.
He isn't flashy, but Tuimoloau will always look to make plays via the blow-up method. It's his sheer power that gets him from point A to point B, and it worked just fine even into the college playoffs.
Negatives
- Many times flies by the seat of his pants without a clear pass rush plan
- Relies mostly on his power and strength due to a lack of lateral quickness
- Hip flexibility and below average acceleration limit his get-off, especially going over the top
The main takeaway, here, is that Tuimoloau relies mostly on his strength and counter ability. He isn't one who will finesse his way into making a big play, rather it's his ability to out-man his opponent, which could get him in trouble against stronger tackles at the pro level. He'll need to further develop a plan of attack that doesn't solely rely on his man power.
JT Tuimoloau NFL Player Comparison: Rashan Gary
This isn't a comparison Bears fans will love, but it fits. Before his explosive 12.5 sacks in 2024, Tuimoloau was on a similar path as Rashan Gary was at Michigan. He was average in terms of sack production, but his ability to clog a gap and blow up a play is also where he'd make his hay.
JT Tuimoloau NFL Draft Grade: Round 2/3
Tuimoloau will likely be a Day 2 draft pick and start out as a rotational pass rusher who could pay upward of 30-50 percent of defensive snaps and has the potential to wind up as a regular starter by either season's end or his second year in the league.