Tuli Tuipulotu NFL Draft Profile
Tuli Tuipulotu Scouting Report: Defensive Line, USC Trojans, # 49
2023 NFL Draft Measurements
6’ 4” / 290 lbs
Tuli Tuipulotu 40 time: Estimated 4.75
Tuli Tuipulotu NFL Draft Profile
USC has received a lot of attention over the past season with the addition of Lincoln Riley, Caleb Williams, and Jordan Addison. However, I would argue DL Tuli Tuipulotu may have been their best player during the 2022 NCAA Football season. Even considering their QB Caleb Williams managing to take home the Heisman Trophy. I must point out he didn’t receive my vote.
Tuipulotu was only a three star recruit according to ESPN. Back then, he was only 6-3 and 255 lbs, but USC continues to recruit and generate NFL talent among the Polynesian community. Some other notable players that fit the bill would be Junior Seau, Troy Polamolu, and recently Talanoa Hufanga. Tuli would finsih the 2022 season with 13.5 sacks and be named the Polynesian Player of the Year.
With the 2023 NFL Draft ahead, Tuipulotu may be slighted with top ranked recruits that had 5 star pedigrees out of highschool being mentioned and getting all the love. Players like Georgia’s Jalen Carter and Clemson’s Bryan Bresee seem to be the names in the spotlight. After watching Tuipulotu play, I belive he can be a devastating weapon in the right scheme as well.
Tuli Tuipulotu Strengths
Versatility
If your team likes to use players in a variety of ways and utilize players at more than one position, than look no further. Tuipulotu could potentially be a nightmare for opposing offenses. At 6-4 290 lbs. you wouldn’t expect it, but he can be found dropping into coverage more often than expected. Tuli has played all along the line as well. He does damage from the 5 technique, but can be relied on to stop the run as a 2 or 3 tech as well.
I do believe he would be a great fit as a 3 technique in an attacking 4-3 defense. If a 4-3 team takes him, he could be a great multi tool as he can provide pass rush from inside while also being able to play the edge.
Great Motor
This is a trait that too often is over looked among first and second rounders. Yet, for me, I love a player who gives his all, because that small extra can make a world of difference. You will see Tuipuloto chasing down receivers and running backs from behind. He often pursues quarterbacks on roll outs when other defenders would have already slowed down.
It’s a pleasure to watch him work as every play he brings his “A” game and never stops. A few of his 13.5 sacks came due to his refusal to quit on a play.
Bull Rush
When coming off the edge as a pass rusher, Tuilupoto has an amazing bull rush. He will often drive the pass blocker deep and into the center of the pocket forcing the play to break down. He has a rare blend of speed and power for a player his size that can not be taught. I expect a few defensive coordinators to really push for him as their guy in the upcoming draft.
Hand Usage
Tuli still needs to develop his pass rush arsenal, but at the end of the day I think he will be better off as a 3 technique in the NFL. From the 3 technique he has more than adequate hand battling abilities. He gets his hands into position quickly and underdstands how to prevent lineman from getting ahold of him. With some good coaching at the next level, he could take another step. However, I think he’s further ahead than most of the other draft hopefuls at his position.
Quick Off the Ball
When watching Tuli Tuipuloto on film, it takes just a few moments to notice he has a knack for getting off the snap well. He uses his quick first step to get upfield in a hurry. You almost forget he weighs nearly 300 lbs. until you see him toss the right tackle aside like a doll and drag down the QB for yet another sack. Playing from inside the tackles, he utilizes the same attributes to break down the pocket from the inside. He is also able to shut down the RB in the backfield.
Tuli Tuipuloto Weaknesses
Tweener
This isn’t really a weakness in my book, but it will be in a lot of scouts eyes. Tuli could benefit from either gaining a bit of weight or shedding a bit depending on which team drafts him and their scheme. He doesn’t have the elite speed of todays edge rushers and he is a bit small to be a cog in the middle as a run stopper. He fits best as an aggressive pass rusher from inside the tackles.
Lacks Bend
As an edge rusher, which he was asked to do plenty of at USC, he lacks true bend and dip on the edge. This will limit his outside pass rush ability and force teams to want to bring him inside the tackles. I know I keep saying this, but it’s because it is true. None the less, he still produced 13.5 sacks in the PAC12, mostly from the edge.
Tuli Tuipulotu Draft Stock
Tuli Tuipuloto is an intriguing player in today’s NFL. He could either be a great swiss army knife for a creative coordinator, or he could be the future interior pass rusher for a team looking for the next Deforest Buckner. As of today, NFLMockdraftdatabase has him slated as the 45th pick on average. I’m not going to argue much with that, as I have his ceiling at pick 24 and his floor at the end of round 2.
Final Thoughts on Tuli Tuipuloto Scouting Report
Tuli Tuipulotu has a ton of potential and I love the way he plays. Does he need refinement? Of course he does, but he is definitely a diamond in the rough. When comparing him to the Bresee’s and the Jalen Carter’s, I’d say he has improved the most and shows continued growth. I feel liking I’m beating a dead horse here, but I see him as an attacking 3 technique. I actually love him as a pass rushing DT in a 4-3. If he is drafted by the right team, and used as one, he could be one of the better interior pass rushers in the league in a few years.
Tuli Tuipulotu Player Comparison
The player comparison is always one of the hardest parts of a report. Every player is their own and no two players are obviously the same. The name Deforest Buckner pops into my head a lot while watching Tuipulotu. He too was considered a true 3-4 defensive end, but excels as a 4-3 DT. Another analyst Greg Gabriel compares him to ex Longhorn and Chicago Bear Tommie Harris. I was a big fan of Harris in college, but he never developed into the weapon I thought he could have at the next level.
Tuli Tuipulotu Scouting Report Analyst-Ken Noble
