What was it about JT Tuimoloau’s game that stood out to the Indianapolis Colts during the 2025 NFL draft?

GM Chris Ballard said after Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft that he felt “really fortunate” to land defensive end JT Tuimoloau in the second round. So what was it about Tuimoloau’s game that drew the Indianapolis Colts to him?

“He’s got some unique qualities,” Ballard said via Stampede Blue. “He’s a big guy. He’s a really good athlete. He can bend. He knows how to rush. He’s got good length. Now we’re excited to get him.”

An experienced player with over 2,100 career snaps, Tuimoloau was a key figure in the Ohio State defense over the last three years. During that span, his pass rush production steadily increased as he went from 32 pressures, according to PFF, to 37, to a career-high 51 in 2024, which also ranked as the 14th-most in all of college football at his position group.

Beyond his contributions as a pass rusher, Tuimoloau was a three-down presence along the Ohio State defensive front, ranking sixth among edge rushers in PFF’s run defense grade.

“A big guy who’s a real threat off the edge and can win in multiple ways,”  area scout Mike Lacy said via the Indy Star. “What you see from J.T., he knows he’s getting extra attention, he’s used to it. You just kind of see a guy strain a little bit harder, fight a little bit harder, be a little more creative, be a little more savvy to beat that extra attention you’re getting.”

Along with Tuimoloau’s overall body of work that he put together, his performance in the biggest games of the year during the College Football Playoffs caught the Colts‘ attention as well. In that four-game stretch against Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame, Tuimoloau finished with 20 pressures and six sacks.

Tuimoloau will become an immediate member of the Colts’ defensive end rotation. He could potentially pair up with Kwity Paye on early downs with Laiatu Latu and then take over during passing situations. Tuimoloau also offers some flexibility to move him inside if needed on third downs.

“[He’s] kind of like (Laiatu) Latu [was] a year ago,” Ballard added. “He’s got a little more power than Latu had, but when they come into our league, there’s still a developmental curve. I mean there just is, but he’s got a good foundation to sure move forward with.”