What was it about JT Tuimoloau’s game that stood out to the Indianapolis Colts during the 2025 NFL draft?<\/p>\n
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<\/a> to him?<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s got some unique qualities,” Ballard said via Stampede Blue.<\/a> “He\u2019s a big guy. He\u2019s a really good athlete. He can bend. He knows how to rush. He\u2019s got good length. Now we\u2019re excited to get him.\u201d<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cA big guy who\u2019s a real threat off the edge and can win in multiple ways,” \u00a0area scout Mike Lacy said via the Indy Star<\/a>.\u00a0“What you see from J.T., he knows he\u2019s getting extra attention, he\u2019s 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\u2019re getting.\u201d<\/p>\n