Rookie DE JT Tuimoloau brings an “all-around” skill set to the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive front.
What kind of player are the Indianapolis Colts getting in second-round pick, defensive end JT Tuimoloau?
If you ask the rookie, he considers himself an all-around player who can impact the game both as a pass rusher and run defender, which the numbers bear out.
Among all defensive ends last season, Tuimolau ranked 14th in total pressures, and he was sixth in PFF’s run defense grade.
“I’m an all-around player,” Tuimoloau said during rookie minicamp. “Big credit to coach (Jim) Knowles, he came in and challenged us to drop, to be man-on-man on certain plays, to stick to redirect, all the above. That was just a way to showcase who I was as a player. I feel like there wasn’t nothing I was limited in doing. He trusted me with everything.”
As Tuimoloau describes, his ability to impact the game goes beyond getting after the quarterback and holding up in the run game. He also adds versatility to the Colts‘ defensive line, able to line up along the interior during obvious passing situations, along with being able to play multiple techniques.
That element will make him a very good fit for Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme, where there is going to be more movement up front and more variety thrown at opposing offensive lines.
One of the many things about Tuimoloau that grabbed the Colts’ attention was his pass rush production in the College Football Playoffs. During that four-game span, Tuimoloau totaled 20 pressures and six sacks.
However, while pressure and sack production is what will grab everyone’s attention, in order to have the opportunity to get after the quarterback, a defense has to eat their vegetables and hold up against the run game first.
“It has to be a priority,” Tuimoloau said of playing run defense. “Your paycheck is rushing the passer but in order to get the paycheck, you gotta do work for it. Doing the work here is in the trenches, you gotta stop the run. If you don’t love it, you gotta learn to love it, or you gotta force yourself to love it. In order to rush the passer, you gotta make sure you’re very stout, though, and physical in run plays.”
Tuimoloau will become an immediate member of the Colts’ defensive end rotation. He could potentially pair up with Kwity Paye on run obvious downs, and also see instances where he lines up inside during pass-heavy situations.
“I think in the playoffs was just a little glimpse of who I am as a person,” Tuimoloau said. “Whatever the team needs me to do, I’ll do it.”