The Chargers next biggest need on their depth chart was an edge defender that is also capable as a run defender. Joey Bosa’s groin injury early in the season left the Chargers in a precarious spot opposite Khalil Mack. PFF graded the Chargers run defense the third-lowest (36.5 RDEF) in the NFL, allowing 144 yards per game. That is slightly worse than 2021 when they allowed 138 yards per game. It’s been a major issue since at least 2018. Tuli Tuipulotu was the defender they selected in the second round with flexibility to play both off the edge and on the interior to help fix that problem.
Physical Metrics
Measuring in at 6’3”, 266 pounds, Tuipulotu has sufficient size to play off the edge if that is the primary position the Chargers want him to play at. His weight measured at the NFL Combine is not the same weight he played at while at USC, where it is estimated that he played closer to 285-290 pounds. He likely toned to test better as an edge defender, which shows his ability to gain or lose weight depending on his role for the team. That can be looked at as a plus, further refining his flexibility.
Due to a right hamstring injury, Tuipulotu did not participate in measurable drills at the NFL Combine or at his pro day. He did some position drills, but was not at full strength. He is not the most lengthy edge in this class, with 32.25” arms, but he has big, powerful hands (10 2/8”) that he uses to overcome length disadvantages.
Statistics
2020 - 22 TKL | 2.5 TFL | 2 SK | 10 STOP
2021 - 48 TKL | 7.5 TFL | 5 SK | 24 STOP
2022 - 46 TKL | 22.0 TFL | 13.5 SK | 29 STOP
Film Analysis
The biggest draw to Tuipulotu his his strong, powerful hands to get off contact, and get around defenders to find the ball carrier. He is an excellent tactician at swiping blocks and getting into gaps or around tackles toward the quarterback. He has a strong lower torso he uses to generate power and drive defenders backwards. He plays with great effort every snap, and brings it all on every down. It’s a major reason why Tuipulotu was able to stack production on the stat sheet, leading all edge rushers in sacks, and gaining a top-10 ranking in total pressures (56).
He makes himself available every game, playing 30 straight games over the last three years, even with minor injuries. He also showed discipline to not be called for penalties, after only being called for two total penalties over three years. He lined up off the edge on 72% of his snaps, over the tackle on 18% of his snaps, and further in the interior 10% of the time. In Brandon Staleys scheme, Tuipulotu has an opportunity to play in the same role as Morgan Fox, though the Chargers will need him to play more as an edge defender.
The biggest draw back to Tuipulotu is subpar length mixed with a bendy pass rush. He is not exactly explosive off the snap and he uses effort and strength to overcome his lack of agility. Last year, he missed 31% of his tackle attempts, showing a massive amount of production still being left off an already impressive stat sheet. This can actually be a positive if he can limit missed tackles to finish even more plays. Overall, Tuipulotu showed out as an All-American, and the PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Expectations
Tuli Tuipulotu is going to play a large role in Brandon Staley’s defense. With Joey Bosa’s injury history, and Khalil Mack now 32 years old, Tuipulotu is primed to play quite a bit in 2023. His flexibility to play on the interior could see him as an interior pass rusher on key third-and-long situations. Hey should jump Chris Rumph for playing time in his first season, and brings a more physical nature to the Chargers defense. He is the type of player that should help fix the Chargers run defense issues early in his career with an opportunity to to make multiple pro bowls in his career.
Projected Stats
68 TKL | 10 TFL | 7.5 SKS
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