Tuli Tuipulotu DRAFT PROFILE – 2023 NFL DRAFT

Tuli Tuipulotu NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT INTRODUCTION

Tuli Tuipulotu, was a 3-star recruit from Lawndale High School and committed to USC.

As a freshman in 2020, Tuipulotu quickly made an impact on the field, playing in 6 games and recording 201 snaps for the Trojans. He demonstrated his versatility as a player, tallying 12 tackles, 6 assists, and 10 stops. Tuipulotu’s pass-rushing abilities were also evident, as he added 9 total pressures to his impressive stats.

In his sophomore year, Tuipulotu continued to make strides, playing in 12 games and participating in 630 snaps for the Trojans. He showed remarkable improvement, recording 34 tackles, 14 assists, and 24 stops. As a pass rusher, Tuipulotu put up 29 total pressures, including 17 QB hurries, 6 QB hits, and an impressive 6 sacks throughout the season.

In 2022, Tuipulotu entered his junior year with high expectations from both coaches and fans. He did not disappoint, playing in 13 games and contributing on 688 snaps. Despite recording fewer tackles than his previous year, Tuipulotu continued to showcase his dominance as a pass rusher. He produced an impressive 51 total pressures, including 33 QB hurries, 6 QB hits, and a remarkable 12 sacks on the year.

Tuli Tuipulotu DRAFT Profile

Tuli Tuipulotu is a football player with immense potential due to his physical attributes and versatility on the defensive front. He possesses a pro-ready frame with a dense build that allows him to play multiple positions and roles on different fronts. This versatility makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team that is evaluating his potential fit within their personnel.

Tuipulotu is known for his heavy hands and ability to knock back blockers at the point of attack. He excels in gap control, especially when going head-to-head against offensive tackles. His hot motor and ability to spin off blocks and make secondary plays have made him a violent hitter who can absorb contact from ball carriers effortlessly.

One of the most intriguing elements of Tuipulotu’s resume is his growth as a finisher in 2022. He showed a closer mentality with his big splash plays in obvious passing situations, ramping up the pressure on third downs and showcasing a strong nose for the football in the backfield. His first step and fluidity also improved, which allowed him to sustain his power while becoming a more functional athlete.

However, the variance in his roles offers universal appeal but can also present challenges. Depending on where he lands, Tuipulotu could be a firm role player or a significant starter. It’s a challenge to find a team that can thread the needle to get his best early-down version and his best passing-down version at the same time, making him a bit of a tweener. He could fill a role for either gap control or penetration systems, but he may not be ready to be an every-down player in either.

Additionally, Tuipulotu is a fairly linear athlete with some tightness throughout his frame, which can pose challenges when charged with dynamic change of direction or moving in space. This leaves questions about his ability to mirror as the point gets stretched.

Ultimately, Tuipulotu’s expectations will range from team to team. He has the ability to play in the 290s as a B-gap defender or around 270 and work more prominently off the edge. However, to maximize his stock as a prospect, he’ll need to offer as much passing down value as possible to sell teams on his ability to play high snap volume in the NFL. Overall, Tuipulotu’s physical attributes and versatility make him a valuable asset for any team willing to take a chance on his potential.

 

Tuli Tuipulotu 40 YARD DASH- 5.03 SECONDS

 

SCOUTING REPORT- STRENGTHS

Tuli Tuipulotu is a highly skilled football player who possesses an array of impressive techniques that allow him to dominate on the field. One of his greatest strengths is his ability to win going speed-to-power, with the leg drive necessary to push blockers back. He has a natural feel for setting up blockers and getting them off-balance, and his active and violent hands allow him to quickly disengage and counter when his initial move stalls.

Tuipulotu’s spin move is already NFL-caliber. He delivers a strong punch and uses his hands effectively to shed blocks and make plays in the hole or outside the box. He also utilizes his lower-body strength to anchor inside and fill holes with a combination of strength and footwork.

Despite his size, Tuipulotu is quick to recover from cut blocks or falling on his way to make a tackle, showing impressive athleticism and agility. His ability to use his strength and technique to overcome obstacles is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Overall, Tuipulotu’s combination of strength, technique, and athleticism make him a formidable opponent for any offense. His ability to win with both power and speed, as well as his active hands and spin move, make him a versatile player capable of fulfilling a variety of roles on the defensive front. He is a player that any NFL team would be lucky to have on their roster, and his contributions on the field will undoubtedly be significant.

SCOUTING REPORT- WEAKNESSES

While he may not have the skill set to bend around the edge as a pass rusher, he excels at attacking gaps and utilizing his power to make an impact.

Tuipulotu’s strength and technique make him a formidable force on the defensive line. However, he shows some stiffness when trying to bend the edge, which can result in him getting pushed past the pocket. Despite this, Tuipulotu seems more comfortable countering back inside, using his power and technique to make plays.

While he moves well laterally and can cover a lot of ground, he doesn’t always get there in pursuit. This may be due to his size and strength, which allow him to make an impact closer to the line of scrimmage.

Tuli Tuipulotu NFL DRAFT SUMMARY

Overall, Tuipulotu’s combination of power and technique make him a valuable asset to any team, even if he may not excel at bending around the edge as a pass rusher. His ability to attack gaps and utilize his strength make him a valuable asset to any defense, and his lateral movement and pursuit skills make him a well-rounded player on the field.

Plus Side:

• Outstanding leg drive
• Great spin move
• Moves well for his size

Negatives:

• Stiffness as an edge rusher
• Not great in pursuit
• More of a project than a day 1 prospect