Tuli Tuipulotu

USC EDGE

Games Watched: Notre Dame, UCLA, Utah (CCG)

Summary: Tuli Tuipulotu projects best as a typical 4-3 defensive end. He led the country with 13.5 sacks last year, a lot in part to his great closing burst. He is technically skilled with his hands, and disrupts passing lanes when he can’t get the sack. He disengages early in the run game and can drop back into coverage. Athletically, he’s below average with a lack of length and play strength hurting him at times. He also plays with a very high pad level and is often slow to see misdirection and play fakes from the offense.

Pros

  • Uses his hands well to discard the hands of offensive linemen
  • Good finishing burst when trying to finish the sack
  • Gets his hands up to disrupt passing lanes
  • Does a good job disengaging early to make plays against the run
  • Good field awareness when he drops into zone coverage

Cons

  • Lacks the necessary length to get first contact
  • Below average functional strength
  • Plays with a very high pad level at times
  • Very slow to read and react to misdirection

Grade: Tuli Tuipulotu gets an early 3rd round grade. He has good technique and intelligence, but his lack of athleticism makes it hard to envision an incredibly high ceiling.